Pak., China to chalk out common regional strategy

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, NOV. 18. The Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, is expected to visit China in the third week of December to exchange views on region, in the particular context of the latest developments in Afghanistan.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), State-run news agency, the proposed visit would provide an opportunity for Gen. Musharraf and the Chinese President, Mr. Jiang Zemin, to adopt a ``common strategy'' for establishing peace and stability in the region.

The proposed visit assumes significance in the wake of the developments in Kabul that have taken Islamabad by surprise and upset all its calculations. China shares its concern over the situation arising out of Afghanistan's ``occupation'' by the Alliance forces, in disregard to the wishes of the U.S. and the United Nations.

There were indications that Gen. Musharraf had plans to visit China immediately after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. but deferred his travel on the advice of the Chinese leadership. A special envoy of Mr. Jiang was here to exchange views with Gen. Musharraf after Islamabad announced its decision to extend its ``unstinted'' cooperation to the U.S. in its fight against Osama bin Laden and the Taliban.

In the course of a telephone conversation on Friday, Mr. Jiang and Gen. Musharraf agreed that the world must push to create a stable and diverse transitional government in the wake of the Taliban's collapse.

Quoting diplomatic sources in Beijing, the APP said the two leaders felt the United Nations should play a leading role in Afghanistan and ensure that no dangerous power vacuum occurred. Mr. Jiang also conveyed his concern over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and hoped the international community would come to the rescue of the civilians.

The agency quoted the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Ms. Zhang Qiyue, as having said that China supported Pakistan's efforts to establish peace and stability in the region and a broad-based government in Afghanistan.

She referred to the recent meeting of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, and Gen. Musharraf in New York and said the two sides reiterated their common concern against terrorism and their resolve to work together for peace and stability in the region.

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Section  : International
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