The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan recently met with Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, Pir Noorul Haq Qadri (Report, 21 September). They discussed bilateral relations, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and took the same stand on religion issues.
We would like to clarify that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. CPEC is a landmark of bilateral economic cooperation and a pilot project for the Belt and Road Initiative. At present, there are 22 projects under the CPEC – nine completed and 13 under construction, with a total investment of US $19bn (£14bn). These projects have led to an annual economic growth of 1 to 2% and created 70,000 jobs in Pakistan. Any attempt to stir up the stable relations between China and Pakistan will not succeed.
The governance and development in Xinjiang are in accordance with law. The Chinese government has adopted a host of policies and measures to promote stability, development and solidarity and to improve people’s livelihood in Xinjiang. Currently, Xinjiang enjoys social stability and sound economic development, and people of different ethnic groups live in harmony.
Trade relations between Xinjiang and neighbouring countries such as Pakistan have also developed well. Xinjiang’s imports and exports totalled $20.66bn in 2017, an increase of 17.1% over 2016. These notable achievements are part of China’s successful policy in Xinjiang.
Zeng Rong
Spokesperson, Chinese embassy in the UK
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