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News Analysis
After Laden, China-Pak ‘nexus’ getting stronger
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

New Delhi, May 9
Mounting tension between the US and Pakistan in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s killing is further pushing Islamabad into the arms of its ‘all-weather’ friend China. This is the sense among officials in New Delhi who have been closely monitoring the developments ever since the Al-Qaida chief was killed by US forces in a pre-dawn operation at Abbottabad deep inside Pakistan on Monday last.

Official sources said this was also one of the reasons why New Delhi had been treading cautiously in articulating its views vis-a-vis Pakistan in the aftermath of bin Laden’s killing. On its part, India would make no attempt to corner or isolate Pakistan. Peace talks would go on in accordance with the schedule drawn up by the two countries. New Delhi would, however, continue to nudge Pakistan to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil.

The sources pointed out that it was a well known fact that China wanted to gain a foothold in South Asia. Beijing is also said to be keen to further tighten its already close relationship with Pakistan, given the role Islamabad would be called upon to play in Afghanistan post the phased withdrawal of coalition forces from the troubled nation from July.

The extent of China’s economic engagement in Afghanistan is by now well known. Since 2002, China has pledged nearly $1 billion in aid to Afghanistan. Of late, Beijing has launched a charm offensive in Afghanistan, having sensed that the time to begin shaping Afghanistan’s post-2011 regional alignments is now. More than anyone else, it is only Pakistan which can help China further its strategic and economic goals in Afghanistan and subsequently seek a role in the affairs of South Asia.

The sources also drew attention to China’s reaction to bin Laden’s killing which clearly indicated that Beijing would not let down its close friend, especially in the face of its worldwide condemnation for hosting the world’s most wanted terrorist for almost five years.

Reacting to bin Laden’s killing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu only had words of praise for Pakistan for its ‘contribution’ in the fight against terrorism, thus indirectly rejecting criticism from the West and India that Pakistan was providing safe havens to terrorist groups of all hues and colours.

“China will continue to staunchly support Pakistan in formulating counter-terrorism strategies based on its own national conditions and stands ready to work with South Asian countries, including India and Pakistan, to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability,” he said.