I. The Big Story: Bajwa in Beijing
Pakistan Today reports that the Chinese military leadership supports Pakistan’s principled stance on the Kashmir issue. They also appreciated that the Pakistani approach is in the interest of peace. They agreed that unresolved tensions between Pakistan-India would have serious implications for peace and stability in the region. “Pakistan looks forward to peace but that shall not be at the cost of any compromise on principles of honour and dignity of the nation.” Both sides also discussed the developing situation in the Gulf and the efforts for peace in Afghanistan. They agreed on enhancing existing defence cooperation in line with the history of mutual time-tested relationships.
Xu said, “China is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen pragmatic cooperation with Pakistan in various fields and deal with risks and challenges together with Pakistan.”
On this visit, Reuters reports that Bajwa may be hoping to smoothen-out any Chinese concerns on the comments made by Pakistan’s commerce minister, Abdul Razak Dawood last week. Razak had suggested suspending CPEC projects for a year.
The Chinese Defence Ministry issued a statement claiming, “The two militaries should further pay close attention to practical cooperation in all areas, keep raising the ability to deal with various security risks and challenges, and join hands to protect the common interests of both countries.”
Here are some details about the defence cooperation between the two countries:
- There are reports about China planning to build its second offshore naval base “logistical outpost” in Pakistan.
- Pakistan has commissioned the J-17 Thunder combat fighters in 2011. These jets are designed by China and assembled in Pakistan. The Pakistani Air Force is trying to replace its ageing fleet of Dassault Mirage III/5 fighter jets by 2020.
- Beijing has decided to sell eight diesel-electric attack submarines to Pakistan by 2028. It is speculated that these would be lighter variants of PLA’s Type 039 and Type 041 submarines. SCMP reports that these vessels will be supplied by China Shipbuilding Trading Company, and Beijing is expected to extend a long-term low-interest rate loan to Pakistan to cover their cost.
- Pakistan and China have also been working on the production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Caihong-5 and Wing Loong-I.
- The two countries are also involved in several military exercises like Shaheen air exercises, Warrior Special Forces exercises, Aman multi naval exercises, and more.
You can read more about China-Pakistan arms transfer here.
We are discussing China-Pakistan relations on our weekly China podcast. It would be aired on the upcoming Monday. You can listen to it here.
II. China’s advance destroyer in Japan’s Multinational Fleet Review
China sent one of the newest and most advanced destroyers to take part in Japan’s naval review. The Taiyuan, a Type 052 D guided-missile destroyer set sail from a military post in Zhoushan, east China’s Zhejiang province. The destroyer is carrying a helicopter and a crew of 200 people for the naval review. The ship is expected to join the US, Australian and Indian navies. It is China’s first dedicated multi-role destroyer. The ship is preceded by the Type 052 C destroyer.
The Chinese defence ministry issued a statement saying, “It was a courtesy exchange with peers from the Japan Maritime Self Defence Forces and navies of other countries.” China plans to host “military and cultural exchanges” such as sports competitions and deck receptions “to further enhance mutual understanding, promote traditional Chinese culture and spread peace and friendship.” The current visit is the first port call to Japan in 10 years by a Chinese naval ship. The two navies had stopped naval exchanges due to disputes over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
The Type 052D incorporates improved design, as well as sensors and weapons fit. Its layout slightly differs from that of the earlier Type 052C class, as its superstructure inclines inward at a greater angle for reduced radar cross-section. The destroyer has a length of 156m, a beam of 18m and a draft of 6.5m. The full load displacement of the vessel is 7,500t. The destroyer is manned by a crew of 280. The destroyer can be mounted with a multi-purpose vertical launch system for firing CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles, HHQ-9 series long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), HQ-16 and DK-10A medium-range SAMs, YJ-18/YJ-83 anti-ship missiles and CY-5 series anti-submarine missiles. The destroyers are equipped with a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system integrating two QC-280 gas turbines and two MTU 20V 956TB92 diesel engines. It has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at the speed of 15 knots.
III. India-China Informal Summit: An Indian Interests Agenda
Ahead of the informal summit, Manoj Kewalramani, the head of Takshashila’s China desk has put together a report on the background of Sino-Indian ties. The report identifies the interests that each side is likely to pursue in Mamallapuram and outlines an agenda for talks keeping in mind Indian interests.
It argues that the summit is a timely opportunity to address some of the stressors that are fraying the fabric of the Wuhan spirit and deepen bilateral engagement between the two countries. But there is a note of caution: Informality often yields fine rhetoric but breeds ambiguity. Therefore, it is crucial for New Delhi to push for clear, publicly stated objectives where it can.
In terms of specific interests, on top of Xi’s agenda, will likely be India’s ties with US, trade in the context of the RCEP, border stability and the Kashmir issue, and matters related to the Dalai Lama’s succession. For India, the strategic objective is to ensure a stable relationship with China while pursuing economic development. Resolving the boundary dispute, tackling terrorism and balancing the trade relationship while expanding investments should be India’s priorities.
The document then outlines an agenda based on Indian interests across four areas - the boundary dispute and military engagement, trade and investments, geopolitical issues, and paradiplomacy and people-to-people engagement - and recommends specific courses of action.
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