Human side of Pakistan-China friendship
- By Zamir Assadi
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E-mail China.org.cn, January 1, 2016
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Former Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Lu Shulin [China.org.cn] |
Rarely in history has there been a more cordial and deep rooted relationship than that between China and Pakistan. The high regard they share is far beyond words. As Pakistan's Premier Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says, it's a friendship higher than mountains, deeper than the deepest sea and sweeter than honey.
These are not mere words; both nations repeatedly show the reality by actions in the most testing of times.
Is this just a relationship created by geographical proximity? Has the true essence of this friendship only been mutual interest in progress and nothing more? Answering similar questions raised by forces unhappy with the strengthening brotherly ties, we see China and Pakistan involved in deeply-rooted respect like one family.
Individuals on both sides not only feel a special affection, but also love the unique cultural heritage they possess. From Beijing to Islamabad, there are many stories of friendship and affection among common people; everyone knows that, beyond the border, lies a trusted friend they can count on.
Some of these stories have been handpicked by former ambassador Lu Shulin, who spent over a decade in Pakistan working to strengthen the bond between these two nations and making friends for life on the way, for a book entitled "You and US, Stories from China and Pakistan" published by China Intercontinental Press. It is a compilation of essays on real life experiences of Chinese diplomats, academics, writers and others in Pakistan.
These people established some amazing friendships during their stay in Pakistan drawn from every walk of life. From political figures to famous poets, from diplomats to construction workers, the message is of love and commitment on both sides of the border.
In his preface, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain writes on the importance he places in such endeavors. He states, "We are living in yet another historic era of rapid economic and social development. China and Pakistan have stood by each other through thick and thin. We are two extensions of a single body."
Other than elaborating on the importance of such efforts to bring out real life emotions and care of common people, President Hussain has a very personal attachment to the subject as well.
The book includes an essay by Tang Mengsheng, the director and professor of the Center of Pakistan Studies at Peking University. In his interesting account, he recollects his chance encounters with Mr. Hussain long before his assumption of the presidency. They met at a cultural event in Karachi in the late 1990s, and in a couple of subsequent chance meetings the friendship bloomed into something he now takes prides in.
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