No need to fear China’s rise: Zardari
1. President says individual excellence showed by Chinese people was resulting in collective benefit of nation
President Zardari Lauds China’s Growth, Emphasizes Strong Pak-China Ties
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has praised China’s remarkable development and global rise, stating that Beijing’s progress is a positive development and should not be feared by the world.
During an interview with Chinese state media amid his five-day visit to China, President Zardari expressed admiration for the country’s rapid transformation over the past few decades. “China has never been an occupier. [...] So why should a neighbor, knowing that China does not interfere in other countries, be scared? I would never be scared of China,” he stated. “I would be scared of another country, but not China.”
He highlighted how individual excellence among the Chinese people has contributed to the nation’s collective progress.
President Zardari arrived in China in early February at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. During his stay in Beijing, he was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Dr. Asim Hussain. The delegation held key meetings with Chinese leadership, including President Xi and Prime Minister Li Qiang.
Commending China’s foreign policy, President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan, as a close neighbor, appreciates Beijing’s policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. He noted that China’s diplomatic approach is a source of regional stability.
Discussing Pakistan-China relations, he underscored that the two nations share an "evergreen friendship" that extends beyond favorable times. Stressing the need for Pakistan to fully benefit from China’s development and strategic geography, he also praised President Xi’s leadership, political philosophy, and governance style, recognizing China’s achievements under his tenure.
The president further emphasized the importance of enhancing road and communication infrastructure between the two countries, adding that China could play a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
