Fire Department Essay

Mission Statement: To prevent and minimize the loss of life and property threatened by the hazards of fire, medical, and rescue emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and disaster situations within the community. History: Prior to the 1956 incorporation of Fremont, the area was comprised of five large unincorporated communities: Irvington, Mission San Jose, Centerville, Niles, and Warm Springs. Each of these communities had its own volunteer fire department and elected its own Chief Officers. Originally, the departments were just hose cart operations. When the City of Fremont incorporated in 1956 it had a population of 22,493 and it immediately implemented a Public Safety department. Two years later, the Public Safety department was disbanded, and the Fremont Fire Department was formed. At that time, the Warm Springs fire station was only staffed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. When the sole firefighter on duty at the Warm Springs station went home, he would answer a â€Å"hot line† at his home for any emergencies, then respond to the fire station to activate the siren, summoning the other volunteers. When they arrived, they would respond together to the emergency. Slowly, throughout the 1960’s, all firehouses began staffing 24 hours a day. In 1969, volunteer firefighters were pushed out and full time paid firefighters staffed all stations. Individual stations history: 1. Station 1 at the corner of Mowry and Argonaut was built in 1963 and provided coverage for the central business district. 2. Once the home of the bustling movie company Essanay Studios, Niles became the home to the present Station 2, which was built on Second Street in 1952. 3. Station 3, in the Irvington District, was first built in 1939 on Washington Boulevard, then relocated in 1979 to its present site on Chapel Way. 4. The district of Mission San Jose housed Station 4, first located on Anza Way in 1954, then welcomed its relocation at Pine and Paseo-Padre Parkway with a grand opening on Saturday, June 23, 1990. 5. Warm Springs’ Station 5, first situated on Warm Springs Boulevard in 1946, was rebuilt in 1992 at the same location but turned on the property to now be assigned a Hackamore Lane address. 6. The Centerville Station 6, built in 1954, became the fire department headquarters when the City formed in 1956, and housed the dispatch center until 1963. After more than five decades of faithful service, Fire Station 6 was decommissioned in January 2009 and a new Fire Station 6 was welcomed into service on Central Avenue. 7. Station 7, built in 1964 at the corner of South Grimmer and Durham, provided coverage for Fremont’s industrial area. Today, it includes a classroom which is used by the Explorers for continued training. 8. To keep up with the building boom of the early ’70’s, Station 8 was constructed on Darwin Drive in 1971. Originally, the building was planned for just two years of use but stayed in service for an additional 35 years. The Darwin Drive firehouse was finally retired from service in 2008 and replaced by the new Station 8 on Fremont Blvd. 9. Station 9, located on Stevenson Place, was placed in service for the first time at 10:33 p.m. on April 27, 1992. Engine Company 9’s first incident occurred 20 minutes later when they responded to a request for medical aid at the Fremont Jail. 10. Dedicated on November 3, 1990, and followed by a grand opening on Saturday, January 19, 1991, Station 10 on Deep Creek Road complemented the existing coverage in north Fremont. 11. In 2010 Station 11 was completed. Located in the industrial area of Fremont on Gateway Blvd. This new multi-million dollar station is currently out of service do to understaffing.

A Comparative Essay Between 1984 and Brave New World Essay

It is interesting to note, before anything, the similarities between Brave New World and 1984. Firstly and rather obviously, they are both prophetic novels, they were both written in turbulent times, both suffering changes that could revert the future of the world. When 1984 was written, the world had just gotten out of a second war and the surprising rise of communism and their totalitarian government was frightening most of the western world. In George Orwell’s novel, the main concern seems to be the overtaking of a supreme, socialist totalitarian government/dictatorship. On the other hand, when Brave New World was written, the world had just been swept by a wave of mass production and consumerism, and that too is reflected in Aldous Huxley’s ultra-modern, test-tube baby, sleep-taught society. That is exactly what makes the two novels so alike and so different at the same time. To begin with both authors forecast a society of obedience and compliance, but on one hand, the Brave New World is also driven by consumerism and high advanced technology and drug abuse (soma, to ensure the happiness of the masses), † ‘Now- such is progress- the old men work, the old men copulate, the old men have no time, no leisure from pleasure, not a moment to sit down and think- or even by some unlucky chance such a crevice of time should yawn in the solid substance of their distractions, there is always some, delicious soma half a gramme for half a holiday [†¦] returning when they find themselves on the other side of the crevice, safe on the solid ground of daily labour and distraction†¦'†. Whilst 1984 is a bare, war stricken place with food rations and the like, â€Å"Outside, even through the shut window-pane, the world looked cold. Down the street little eddies of wind were whirling dust and torn papers into spirals, and though the sun was shinning and the sky was blue, there seemed to be no colour in anything, except in the posters that were plastered everywhere.† Both novels also similar in the aspect that most inhabitants do not seem to see a problem with the world they live in, most comply and obey, in Brave New World, most consume, but in both novels, there are the odd sheep. In Brave New World Bernard Marx, † ‘But he’s so ugly!’ [†¦] ‘And then so  small.’ Fanny rebels because he does not fit in made a grimace; smallness was so horribly and typically low-caste.† In 1984, Winston Smith rebels because he does not accept, â€Å"to the future or the past, to a time when thought is free, when men are different from one another and do not live alone- to a time when truth exists and what is done cannot be undone. From the age of uniformity, from the age of solitude, form the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink-â€Å". says Winston. Both novel seem to portray societies divided into castes, in 1984 there are three of them the ‘proles’, the ‘outer Party’ and the ‘inner Party’, the ‘proles’ are the uneducated masses, the ‘outer party’ are the medium working class, and the ‘inner party’ are the controllers. In Brave New World, the castes are a bit more literal, four in total, Alphas, intelligent and beautiful, have the high positions, Betas, not quite as ‘perfect’ as the Alphas, Gammas, part of the uneducated masses and finally Epsilons, similar in IQ to oysters, the workers and cleaners. Both novels can be regarded as ‘novels that changed history’, that is, when they were written it seemed that things were headed in the direction that both novels pointed out, and some people considered that it was the novels that ‘opened people’s eyes’ and showed them the way. However, many other people seemed to think that both were equally extreme to have actually concretized themselves.

Basketball Match That Crazes You And Others English Literature Essay

Basketball Match That Crazes You And Others English Literature Essay Growing up in New York City is never complete without a touch of basketball which is one of the most famous sports in that community. Kids from all over the neighborhood would gather up at the upper east park. We would all stand there and pick the two most controversial teams in the NBA and play with their names. The joy of a basketball match for a player is to win as it is for the supporters, and to do so convincingly. Imagine entering in to the match as underdogs and coming out as the victors. My mind goes crazy when the fans go on chanting slogans in praise of a team that is performing extra ordinarily. A great feeling of self esteem and feeling like jumping out of my skin accompany the continuous overwhelming celebrations. To best illustrate the feelings of going crazy, I am compelled to describe one of my most exciting experience. There are no feelings of such high spirit as described in an indeed crazy match I participated in. Basketball has always been one of Americas exiting sport. It is a sport that not only provided thrilling excitement, but also true team spirit full of satisfaction. In addition, the motivation which superstar basketball players gave us when making the high basket of 7 to 8 feet high was so immense. This sport has shown me how important it is to keep doing what I love. Throughout junior and high school I played for my school. My high school matches were so memorable to me because I enjoyed them to the fullest. I was just so crazy to know how much power and energy a simple guy like me could get, in one small gym court. Just the thought of it made me crazy. In the locker room I heard the murmuring of the guys talking about their day and the rustling of them getting their jerseys and shoes on. Coach walked in, the room silenced. He gave his preamble speech, his voice echoing off the lockers, everyone listening to him as if he was public speaker. The speech of the coach was full of energy and it made all players more energetic as well a s it made me crazy and excited to play the game in more aggressive manner compared to opposing team for the purpose to win with flying colors. I was feeling more energetic and trying to relax from all personal worries and issues of daily life. The purpose would be to concentrate on the game and play it with absolute focus. Most of the audiences of this basketball match were becoming crazy to watch the exiting game, as well as me. It is very essential in the basketball to co-ordinate in effective and efficient manner. Therefore after the coach’s speech we all spend a few minutes to make some strategies in our minds individually. When we all young boys had made their personal strategies basketball team huddle, we talk game strategy and who’s going to have a big game. Outside the locker room we could hear the crowd roaring â€Å"let’s go, let’s go tigers!† that made all of us and the audience go crazy with excitement.

Rhetoric Essay Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetoric Assignment - Essay Example Chapman’s immediate purpose appears to be to delight Americans living in Chicago about crimes in the city and how they can be reduced. He acknowledges the significant reduction of crimes in the city in recent years but still feels the rates are high compared with other cities in the country. Chapman wants some underlying issues such as poverty and racial segregation that contribute to crime to be addressed. He also wants the number of police to be increased so that they can tackle crime efficiently. Chapman effectively fits his message to the circumstance, times and audience. The message fulfills his intentions of creating awareness and fighting crime in Chicago. The initial setting of the article is a column for Chicago Tribune and Creators Syndicate. The immediate community and content of the article are the present high rates of violent crimes in Chicago, which Chapman argues that they have reduced in comparison with the past. According to Chapman, some Chicagoans, especial ly the ones from crime-prone neighborhoods, may not be aware of the large reduction of murders in the city. In the article, Chapman argues that the security has improved in Chicago City in general, but some areas still experience high rates of crime. Chapman uses figurative language such as hyperboles, metaphors, and personification in his article. He seeks to address the misconceptions of homicides and other crimes in the city. His immediate purpose is to inform Chicago residents about crimes in the city and how they can be reduced.

Poverty Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Poverty - Research Paper Example Half of the world makes up about 3 billion people. Fourteen percent live on only a dollar a day. While eighty percent, live on less then ten dollars a day. This leads to people being hungry, adults and children dying from hunger. Pregnant women give birth to underweight children because of malnutrition. This leads to the death of twenty five thousand people a day. Disease is the number one factor that surrounds the poor. Aids and HIV are the diseases that kill most of the people in the third world countries. At the time, 40 million people are living with Aids and HIV infectious diseases. These infectious diseases mostly occur in countries with very poor economic status. Malaria is also a leading disease in poor nations. These diseases are mostly in Africa. In nations with poor economic statues such as Africa, many may believe it is the actual fault of the Individuals living in these poor nations, but it is not. It is the fault of the nation, region and especially because of international neglect. Many have tried to create strategies to introduce global poverty and by introducing these problems, the world can have a part in helping these poor third world countries where many are dying because of neglect. The United Nations created these groups. These groups include UN Millennium Development group (UNMDG), the Basic Income European Network (BIEN) and the Basic income Guarantee (BIG). The goals of the UN Millennium Development Group (UNMDG) is to stop poverty, send every child to school to get an education, to decrease the rate of child birth, bring about equality, equal global trading system, and preventing the spread of infectious disease such as HIV and Aid which are causing many to die. In this case, people may have security to live with no fear, human rights to live as they wish and in this case the United Nations would be stronger then before and the world can be one, helping each other and looking

How has Japanese Cinema been Informed by Nuclear Disaster Term Paper

How has Japanese Cinema been Informed by Nuclear Disaster - Term Paper Example The style of the day is one of modern casual wear, except when our young protagonist and his friend go to school, then, they wear uniforms.   Whereas in other films, such as Akira Kurosawa’s (1990) Dreams, there is a stark contrast to the actors’ traditional kimono dress that is worn in those vignettes that portray even modern life in Japan, such as Sunshine Through the Rain, where the dress in the home is kimonos, which is presented against a backdrop of modern Japanese architecture reflecting the traditional architecture with modern materials.   The result is striking and beautiful cinematography that is spellbinding as the story in this short vignette. In Kikujiro (Kitaro, 2000), if there is anything that denotes the impact of the nuclear holocaust suffered by Japan at the end of the war, it is in the westernization of the society that is conveyed through the film.   However, it should be noted that Japan was, prior to the onset of the war, looking towards the west as a model of economic success (Keyser & Kumagai, 1996, 1).   Still, with the postwar occupation of Japan by the Allied forces, it might be logical to conclude that the westernization of Japan took on a different direction than the pre-war model.   Kikujiro (Kitaro, 2000) portrays the move away from tradition, into a modern society with modern social problems, such as gambling first and second family identity problems.   While these problems may have existed in Japan since the medieval times, it is the distinct westernized appearance of them in this modern day film that breaks with the tradition of what is usually both perceived and seen in the film as being Japanese. Whereas Japan’s move toward away from the traditional towards a more western model might have been the path in a pre-world WWII setting, nuclear holocaust and the presence of a western occupation following that event probably helped bring Japan to a western present much quicker than they might have arrived had it not been for western occupation following the war. Kikujiro (Kitaro, 2000) is the film that demonstrates modern Japan’s westernization.

Leadership Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Leadership Paper - Essay Example The men and women behind an organization say a lot about how trustworthy the institution is. Good leadership brings about a working environment both harmonious and efficient which can consequently lead to a more effective workforce and a successful organization. In the business world today, there are a number of companies that continue to dominate the public because of excellent leadership and management. The World Health Organization is one of those companies. For 62 years, with almost 100 states under its membership, WHO has initiated successful programs driven to eradicating health issues worldwide. It has been the known guide of many health institutions in creating policies regarding the well-being of individuals around the world. Through its excellent leadership and management, WHO has been a trusted and respected institution in the field of health care. My paper will argue that WHO is a successful company because of its good decision-making, employee treatment and excellent leadership. I believe I will fit into this organization because I am patient, hard-working and I have a passion for helping people. There are a variety of industries in society. Among these industries, I consider health care the most important as it continually strives to find ways to nurture the well-being of the individual. Inasmuch as without the individual, there would be no society, it is therefore vital to provide efficient healthcare services. â€Å"Healthcare combines medical technology and the human touch as it diagnoses, treats and administers care around the clock, responding to the needs of millions of people-from newborns to the terminally ill.† (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010) There are many establishments that make up the healthcare industry. These vary in terms of size, manpower and organizational structures. Doctors’ offices, hospitals and nursing facilities

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words - 1

Case study - Essay Example This relationship calls for a change in the way the children perceives things and ends up creating a more successful person in the future. Play therapy is different in a way that it normally provides a safe, trusting, soothing and pleasurable environment to the child under consideration. The result of creating such a climate is the trust of the child in the therapist. The more the individual feels comfortable the easier it gets to understand his problem and solve it accordingly. Play therapy, hence, directs toward a one-to-one relationship where children are encouraged to communicate and express their feelings, fear, views and thoughts. Therapists normally get two kinds of communications from the children, that is, either the children communicate their issues and feelings directly in words (Wilson et. al., 2002) or indirectly by using actions and behaviors. Whatever way the child chooses, a therapist must respond to the messages, either direct or indirect, that he receives from the c hildren. Therapists are required to listen, understand and respond to the children in a way which they feel is suitable for that particular child. The therapists must keep in mind that their behavior and responses would play a significant role in the development of a future relationship between them and the children. They need to flourish the relationship and must respond in a way which strengthens the relationship rather than creating any negative feeling or perception in the child’s mind. The underlying theory is to develop command of children over the feelings which are hidden and controlling them. Non directive approach to play therapy was formed by Axline who gave a way to professionals through which they could treat children. The basic principles laid down by Virginia Axline revolve around non directive play therapy and how a therapist could successfully follow these guidelines. The principles basically revolve around the

Holistic Care in Relation to Adult Nursing and Child Nursing Essay

Holistic Care in Relation to Adult Nursing and Child Nursing - Essay Example This study will focus on discussing the significance of holistic care in relation to adult nursing and child nursing. As part of discussing the significance of holistic care in adult and child nursing, some real-life clinical examples will be provided when practicing spirituality in holistic care for adult and child patients. Eventually, several reasons will be provided as to why nurses should exert an effort to incorporate spirituality when giving holistic care to the patients. Significance of Holistic Care in Relation to Adult Nursing and Child Nursing Holistic care is all about being able to deliver caring service that will uplift not only the physical health of the patients but also their mental, social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being (Broker and Nicol, 2003, p. 4). There are quite a lot of similarities and differences with regards to the provision of holistic care to adult and child patients. Similar to child nursing, the adult nursing aims to promote a healt hy lifestyle and prevent diseases. Before planning, delivering, and evaluating the quality of healthcare services given to each patient, holistic care in adult nursing and child nursing aims to identify the specific healthcare needs of the patients (Broker and Nicol, 2003, p. 4). ... that the family members are experiencing when taking care of an adult patient who has insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, the family members are more stressed out when caring for children who are suffering from chronic disease (Hobson and Noyes, 2011). Since the parents of the child has other important obligation to do during day time, it is expected that the child’s parents will be experiencing excessive stress when taking care of a sick child. Therefore, healthcare professional should incorporate the practice of spirituality when providing holistic care to a child patient. Healthcare professionals should consider all possible interventions that can effectively improve such resilience. For instance, when dealing with young patients, healthcare professionals should develop a balanced coping strategy that will allow the parents of a sick child to maintain a good physical and mental health and meet the medical and emotional needs of the child (Major, 2003). By doing so, the nur ses will be able to make the family members easily cope with the child’s chronic illness. Examining how the patient’s family function will also make it easier on the part of the nurse(s) to gain better idea on how they can effectively manage or lessen the physical and emotional stress that the parents and the child’s siblings may be experiencing in times of dealing with the patient’s chronic disease. Upon developing a list of effective nursing intervention, healthcare professionals could more or less be able to lessen and minimize the chances wherein the family members would experience negative emotions such as anger and depression. Another good way of providing spirituality in holistic care is for the healthcare professionals to be able to identify the risk factors that may trigger

Customer Service Operations & Excellence presentation. 2 case studies PowerPoint Presentation

Customer Service Operations & Excellence . 2 case studies. 12-16 slides - PowerPoint Presentation Example As opposed to a traditional bricks and mortar grocery store that allows customers access to the shop where they can select the product themselves, online operation requires customers to possess a credit card or other electronic means of payment along with access to a computer (Kornum & Bjerre, 2005). Online grocery retailers also suffer from higher operating costs than brick-and-mortar stores (Ring & Tigert, 2001). The online system can sometimes prove to be slow leading to slow response times (Morganosky & Cude, 2002). Whereas the value chain of online shops comprises of a retailer- customer value chain, traditional bricks and mortar operations usually require intermediaries such as warehousing companies (Spar & Bussgang, 1996). This results in a wholesaler-retailer-customer chain. 2. The supporting activities of the company’s service package pertain to its location on a main road near a college and the close proximity at which University Automotive is located. The facilitati ng products are the provision of a large coffee area as well as stereo music and good reading material offered for customers. As far as the explicit offerings of Xpresso Lube are concerned, the company allows customers to view the problem being inspected by technicians as well as provides reasonably charged services. Finally, the implicit services of music bands and coffee area add to its service package. The distinctive characteristics are conveyed through the customized services offered to customers with the customer taking part in the inspection process along with the technician, the simultaneous provision of oil changing services as well as coffee house experience and no perishability of services offered as is expressed through vacant seats in the coffee house (Fitzsimmons & Fitzsimmons, 2008). The company’s actions are aimed at the people along with their possessions. The company enjoys informal relationship with its customers (as they can participate in the inspection p rocess), offers highly customized services and a fair degree of judgments by customer contracts. There is little volatility in demand and is easily met by Xpresso Lube. There is a single point of delivery where the customer may visit himself/herself to get the job done. The company’s location on a main street near to the college and the traffic it receives from University Automotive greatly contributes to its success. Finally, value-added services that could be offered by Xpresso Lubes consist of the sale of automotive parts, home delivery and check-up facilities, free check-up for tire pressure as well as discounts to customers who come regularly. References Fitzsimmons, J. & Fitzsimmons, M., 2008. Service Management: operations, strategy, information technology. Boston: McGraw Hill. Kornum, N. & Bjerre, M., 2005. Grocery E-commerce: Consumer Behaviour and Business Strategies. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited. Krajewski, L.J., Ritzman, L.P. & Malhotra, M.K., 2013. Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains. 10th ed. England: Pearson. Morganosky, M.A. & Cude,

Paul’s Teachings Essay Example for Free

Paul’s Teachings Essay 1. Essay on the Epistle to the Galatians The New Testament Book Epistle to the Galatians is ascribed by the Catholic Church to St. Paul but now believed to be written by early Christian missionary Paul of Tarsus to the early Christian communities in Galatia, then a Roman province. It was an intensely personal letter wherein Paul primarily tackled the circumcision issue during those early days of Christianity. The issue of circumcising Gentile converts, considered to be culturally offensive to Romans, was then being hotly debated. In the Epistle, Paul cautions against the introduction of Jewish practices, such as circumcision, into the community of Christians. The circumcision debate written in Galatians was important for St. Paul because he wanted to point out to the Gentiles that the prescriptions that regulated the day-to-day lives of the Jews under the Law of Moses are meant to lead men to salvation through Christ. Some Galatian converts or Judaizers at that time insisted that observance of the Law, including circumcision, abstinence and certain ritual purifications, was prerequisite to being good or perfect Christians. During the Old Testament, circumcision served as a mans public pledge to the complete observance of Mosaic Law. In Pauls argument against circumcision, he mentions Old Testament figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Sarah and Hagar in order to explain and illustrate what it means to follow Gods advice ( 4:21, Galatians). Using the story of the birth of Isaac and Ishmael, Paul stresses that Christians should genuinely believe and follow all of Gods advise, not only religious traditions but more so, following the examples of Christ. In addressing the circumcision issue in the Epistle, Paul thereby explains that by itself, the Mosaic Law had no power to save because salvation needs individual faith and the grace of Jesus. 2. Essay on the Books of Timothy I, Timothy II and Titus The New Testament Books First Epistle to Timothy, Second Epistle to Timothy and Epistle to Titus are three Pastoral Epistles attributed to St. Paul but now believed to be from Paul of Tarsus. They are collectively termed as the Pastoral Epistles chiefly because the letters are addressed to pastors or heads of the early Church regarding proper handling of the ministry. Together, the Epistles instruct the Bishop Timothy and the Christian worker Titus on the general principles regarding community order and faith. Specifically, the greater part of the Timothy I is devoted to instructions on the proper ordering of Christian community life for it to function smoothly. It also admonishes Timothy on the duties of the bishops and deacons in terms of preaching, praying in public and care for the Church members. Timothy II, on the other stresses the faithful dispensing of the responsibilities by church leaders and provides encouragement to the Bishop. The Pastoral Epistles talk of the proper conduct of both men and women; proper behavior when inside the Church; respect for old and young people; treatment of elderly and rules for the enrollment of widows and other prescriptions for good and Christian behavior. They also talk of how to remain steadfast in faith by rejecting false teachings and safeguarding the truths in the Church. Such is a suggestion of the pressures against and the corresponding struggles to strengthen the faith within the community. The administrative activities, especially as found in Timothy I tell us that the early Church then was already, or at least beginning to be, structured and orderly and made up of united members. This is seen, for one, in the discussion on the selection of church leaders. These three Epistles definitely communicate to us the difficulties of the early Church. The part in Timothy II wherein Paul exhorted the Bishop to be patient in the face of persecution is best illustrates the serious problems they encountered. The recommendations in the Timothy I and Titus regarding the kind of character needed for the leaders of the Church suggest the earnest efforts to build and fortify what we know now to be a heavily challenged Church back then. In gist, Timothy I and II and Titus portray the picture of the Christian community during the incipient period of the Church. The Books show that times were hard but that the early Christians, herein guided by Paul, mustered their faith and effort for the ministry.

USA should Begin Withdrawing Troops from Iraq Essay Example for Free

USA should Begin Withdrawing Troops from Iraq Essay War in Iraq affects many countries, their social and economic situation, political stability and international relations. A question of the American military presence in Iraq is one of the most controversial issues in political practice. During years of heated discussions, society has tried to solve the ethical, philosophical and political dilemma concerning the war on terror and aggression of American government against Iraqi people. America should withdraw troops from Iraq because its military presence and occupation contradicts International Law (Hewitt, 2002). The example of the Iraqi war illustrates the fact that the problems of conflicts and violence are not carried out at a distance, against anonymous and invisible victims, but in immediate physical confrontations with them. Another argument is that there is the increasing violence in Iraq against the US military. Following Jeffrey Sachs: â€Å"Were learning again that America cannot be an occupying force in the Middle East† (Web Forum: Was It Worth It?, 2006). Another reason against the military presence of the USA in Iraq is that primary justification for the war against terror and military intervention in Iraq (weapons of mass destruction) is false. The main consequence was a shift of U.S. policy from peaceful neutrality to aggressive international policy supported by military strength. â€Å"It would serve as an example of Washingtons repeated difficulty in winning guerrilla conflicts† (U.S. Faces Pressure †¦ 2005). In addition, the US should withdraws troops from Iraq because the short-term consequences of its presence include increasing budget spending on military sector and security programs, temporal stability and security of the American nation. Nevertheless, the war can create more terrorism affected innocent people around the world. The complications are that in a globalizing world, rich countries cannot insulate themselves from insecurity. Poverty and weak institutions are breeding grounds for public-health crises, violence, and economic volatility. Taking into account the opposite view, it is possible to say that if the USA withdraws troops form Iraq it will threaten its national security and defense. Also, many politicians suppose that the US should implement its long-term policies aimed to strengthen democracy and weakened terrorist groups in this region. Today, Iraqi army is not strong enough to oppose terrorist groups and maintain peace in the region. â€Å"Republicans, warned that withdrawing U.S. troops before the Iraqi army is fully prepared to defend the country against an intractable insurgency would lead to more violence and possible civil war† (Tate, 2006). In this case, it is evident that the US military presence in Iraq is important to secure stable political situation in the region. There seems to be general agreement that competition for political power and the material resources to which such power gives access is a general explanation of the phenomena discussed in the paper. Democratic processes that aim to empower the populace with the final authority see the problem as a top down solution.  No doubt that in modern society the main role is featured to democracy and the US presence supports democratic processes in Iraq. The re-organization of the political system should be mentioned here. Also, a civil war â€Å"could spill over into the rest of the region and threaten the worlds energy supplies, a development that would damage the economies of all oil-dependent countries† (U.S. Faces Pressure †¦ 2005). In this situation, the purpose of US forces is to maintain the continuity of the borders while introducing a degree of regional and local autonomy.   In spite of democratic changes and political stability in Iraq, â€Å"the threat is real and its all the more lethal because, paradoxically or not, its driven by religion and nihilism and a civilizations very unhappy encounter with modernity† (Web Forum, 2006). In this case, the US military is a force which ensures political stability and security for civil population. I suppose that the US should not withdraw troops from Iraq because US forces and control ensures political stability for both Iraq and the US nation. Every nation has the right to go to war in order to sustain its unity, to abolish poor governance, to re-organize the existing political institution if they violate national rights and self-determination. The war on terror and the problem of terrorism has not been yet, and it requires special measures to be made in order to ensure global peace and political stability. From the point of view of the USA, it is a necessary step to protect its citizen from adverse intervention by a nation intending to use weapons of mass destruction. The major public concern is atomic war and its consequences for the globe. Efforts to control these activities through investigations and surveillance on the part of the law-enforcement community also illustrate positive measures to counter the threat of terrorism. Military aid to the civil power is a measure available to the Iraqi government in extraordinary circumstances. â€Å"The US military do whatever we have to do to stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan and use the military power of the U.S. to do that (Burns, 2006). It is important to note that the war in Iraq is aimed to protect civil population from the authoritarian government and its attempts to control natural resources. â€Å"There is no question that Iraq is an important, if not the most important, theater in terms of the fight against Al Qaeda† (Johnson, 2006).  Terrorism on the Middle East is an international problem for many countries including Israel and Palestine, the US and European countries. Thus, the initiation and implementation of measures in response to the threat of terrorism are often complex matters. The problems are magnified when international diplomatic conventions and considerations must also be taken into account. The main means to fight terrorism include firm opposition to terrorism in all its forms and wherever it takes place, and opposition to domestic and international terrorism and respond to terrorist acts. The US mission in Iraq is to ensure global peace and control over the region and its terror groups. References Burns, R. (2006). Pentagon Faces Tough Choices on Iraq. USNews and World Report. Sept 20, Retrieved from   http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRAQ?SITE=DCUSNSECTION=TOP_STORIESTEMPLATE=DEFAULT Johnson, S. (2006). ‘We Are Where We Are’ Newsweek. Aug. 14. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14349435/site/newsweek/ 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hewitt, Ch. (2002). Understanding Terrorism in America: From the Klan to Al Qaeda. Routledge. Tate, D. (2006). US Senate Rejects Proposals to Withdraw Troops From Iraq. June 22. Retrieved from http://voanews.com/english/archive/2006-06/2006-06-22-voa50.cfm?CFID=38746764CFTOKEN=55075176 S. Faces Pressure to Pull Troops from Iraq. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_reportreport_id=328language_id=1 Web Forum: Was It Worth It? (2006) Tuesday, Mar. 21. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1175256,00.html

Strategic Relations Between China and Pakistan

Strategic Relations Between China and Pakistan STRATEGIC RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND PAKISTAN AND ITS IMPACT ON INDO PAK RELATIONS If your environment is changing, you must change with it. If you dont, you perish. Curtis E. Sahakian CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1. China is a modern developing country with good economic and political condition. It is the biggest ancient society with flair towards modern culture and values. China has very good relations with its neighbours like Pakistan. Pakistan was one of the first countries of the world to recognise China, and since then they have very good relations with each other. 2. Pakistan and China entered into a trade agreement in January 1963 which granted reciprocal Most Favoured Nation status in matters of commerce, trade and shipping. Trade between the border regions of China and Pakistan started in 1969 after the first protocol of trade was signed. This border trade has continued to grow with the patronage of both the countries. Further trade protocols have been signed over the years. The construction of the Karakoram Highway has helped to further trade and communication. Pakistan is an important country for China in trade. A lot of projects of economic development in Pakistan are in process with the co-operation of China which are creating lot ofjobs opportunityfor both Pakistan and China. METHODOLOGY STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 4. This dissertation proposes to study and analyse the growing economic relations between Pakistan China, its impact on the security of India and to recommend measures to negate the same by India. HYPOTHESIS 5. Is the growing economic relations between Pakistan China having an adverse impact on the security of India? If yes, what actions should India take to negate them? JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY SCOPE 7. This study concentrates on analysing only the Economic relationship between Pakistan and China and the impact of the same on Indo Pak relations with special emphasis on Indias security. 8. The study is not looking into the military, diplomatic and nuclear relationship between the two countries and the impact these relations are having on Indias security and Indo Pak relations. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS ORGANISATION OF THE DISSERTATION 11. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- (a) Chapter II. Strategic Relationship and it scope. (b) Chapter III. Historical Perspective of strategic relations between Pakistan and China. (c) Chapter IV. Chinas â€Å"String of Pearls Policy† Pakistans place in it. (d) Chapter V. Growing economic ties between Pakistan and China. (e) Chapter VI. Security Issues for India. (f) Chapter VII. Recommendations to negate this strategic relationship by India. CHAPTER II STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP AND ITS SCOPE Interest does not tie nations together; it sometimes separates them. But sympathy and understanding does unite them. -Woodrow T. Wilson No nation is an island. Because domestic policies are constantly affected by developments outside, nations are compelled to enter into dialogue with other nations or initiating entities or form alliance(s) for the purpose of enhancing their status internationally, or increasing their power or prestige and survival in the international system[1]. History The concept of strategic relations is quite old. Humans have been establishing governments and communicating with each other for thousands of years. However, it is generally agreed to that international relations truly began to emerge around the 15th century, when people started exploring the world and interacting with other governments and cultures. Organisations like the Dutch East India Company were among the first multinational corporations[2], while representatives of various European governments met with foreign governments to establish trade agreements and to discuss issues of mutual concern. The formal history of strategic relations is often traced back to the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, where the modern state system was developed. Westphalia instituted the legal concept of sovereignty. Westphalia encouraged the rise of the independent nation-state(s), the institutionalisation of diplomacy and armies[3]. This European system was then exported to the Americas, Africa, and Asia via colonisation and the standards of civilisation. The contemporary international system was eventually established through decolonisation after the Cold War. Definition There are many definitions of Strategic Relations written by numerous authors on the web world. Some relevant ones are as given below. Agreement between two or more entities to conduct specified activities or processes, to achieve specified objectives such as product development or distribution[4]. Strategic Relations refers to the collective interactions of the international community, which includes individual nations and states, inter-governmental organisations such as the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, multinational corporations, and so forth. The term is also used to refer to a branch of political science which focuses on the study of these interactions[5]. Strategic Relations is the study of the relations of states with each other and with international organisations and certain sub-national entities (e.g., bureaucracies and political parties). It is related to a number of other academic disciplines, including political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy[6]. Strategic Relations is the study of the relations among states and other political and economic units in the international system. Particular areas of study within the field of international relations include diplomacy and diplomatic history, international law, body of rules considered legally binding in the relations between national states, also known as the law of nations[7]. Strategic Relations is the interaction between and among states, and more broadly, the workings of the international system as a whole. It can be conceived of either as a multidisciplinary field, gathering together the international aspects of politics, economics, history, law, and sociology, or as a meta-discipline, focusing on the systemic structures and patterns of interaction of the human species taken as a whole. Barry Buzan Strategic Relations is an area of knowledge based on political science, law, economy, sociology, philosophy, and other social sciences. Traditionally, it not only treats the relations between nation states, but also, International Organisations and non-state actors in the international arena, like non-governmental organisations, and multinational corporations[8]. What do Strategic Relations Mean Strategic Relationship represents the study of foreign affairs and global issues among states within the international system, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organisations (IGOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and multinational corporations (MNCs). It is both an academic and public policy field, and seeks to analyse as well as formulate the foreign policy of a particular state[9]. Apart from political science, Strategic Relations draws upon such diverse fields as economics, history, international law, philosophy, geography, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies. It involves a diverse range of issues including globalisation, state sovereignty, ecological sustainability, nuclear proliferation, nationalism, economic development, global finance, terrorism, organised crime, human security, foreign interventionism and human rights. There are two main approaches to the field of International Relations. The first is the Realist or Pragmatist approach. This claims that conflict is inevitable and the best way to approach international relations is to be prepared to engage in conflicts and win. The second approach is the Structuralist approach and is symbolised by diplomacy, according to which conflict is not inevitable, focusing on the causes of conflict, stressing on the costs of conflict vis a vis possible gains. This school of thought has been heavily influenced by Galtungs theory of structural violence[10]. Broadly speaking, the two approaches to International Relations can be attributed to either side of the Atlantic: Realism is seen as a primarily American worldview while Structuralism is seen as typically European. Conclusion Considering the vast spectrum of the subject, Strategic Relations can become incredibly complex. The subject is also sometimes known as â€Å"foreign relations†. Specialists in this field staff diplomatic agencies abroad, provide consultation to businesses which are considering to establish branches overseas, and assist charitable non-governmental organisations with their missions. CHAPTER III HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF STRATEGIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA The opinions we hold of one another, our relations with friends and kinfolk are in no sense permanent, save in appearance, but are as eternally fluid as the sea itself. Marcel Proust Why Pakistan Chose to Align with China Pakistans attitude towards China is determined by its geography, economic constraints, domestic compulsions and the regional and international situation. The erstwhile fragmented shape of Pakistan, i.e. East and West Pakistan, had greatly contributed to the establishment of Pakistans close relations with China. Geographic constraints on account of Pakistans location, topography and the nature of its frontiers, gave rise to security problems for Pakistan. With the construction of highways connecting China and Pakistan, through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, China acquired an easy approach to Pakistan. This turned out as a mixed blessing for Pakistan. So long as relations with China are friendly, there is no threat from the North. But in case of strained Sino Pak relations, there would be a grave threat from China[11]. Pakistani policy makers were conscious of this constraint and did express their fears in an unambiguous manner. President Ayub Khan wrote in his political autobiography:- West Pakistan is wedged in between three enormous powers with the Soviet Union at the top, the Peoples Republic of China in the North East, and India in the South and East. I know of no other small country which has the somewhat dubious distinction of having three such mighty neighbours[12]. A number of considerations prompted Pakistan to strengthen its economic and trade ties with China. Firstly, like China, Pakistan was a developing country and the two countries faced common problems in the field of agriculture and industrialisation. China had successfully solved the problem of water logging, salinity and floods, which Pakistan could benefit from. Secondly, the aid offered by China was very attractive as it carried rock-bottom low rate of interest or no interest at all. Thirdly, China showed interest in setting up heavy industries in Pakistan Taxila Industrial Complex, assisted by China is an example. Fourthly, trade with China was beneficial to Pakistan as the balance of the trade generally went in favour of Pakistan and rarely in favour of China[13]. Fifthly, 1962 Sino India war turned Pakistan towards China to counter India. Sixthly, US support to India increased after the Sino India war to counter China, this was resented by Pakistan, which China exploited to w ean the influence of US from Pakistan and get a foothold in the Indian subcontinent. And finally, the Kashmir issue. Pakistan adjudged its relations with other countries in terms of their attitude towards the Kashmir issue. Pakistan regarded China as a friend since its hostility towards India in 1962 and its involvement in the Kashmir issue thereafter[14]. The location of Tibet and Xinjiang on the north of the Indian subcontinent places China in a position to intervene militarily in a confrontation between India and Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway can be used by China for sending arms and ammunition and even the forces. In 1971, Indo Pakistan war, it was used for this purpose[15]. With a view to combating India, Pakistan has been seeking a political counterweight against it. Finding that China was interested in undermining Indias political influence in the Afro Asian world, Pakistani leaders thought that China could serve as a counterweight against India. It was, therefore, a Pakistani objective to seek Chinas political support against India[16]. Karakoram Highway[17] History of Sino Pak Relations After Pakistans creation in 1947, Pakistans relations with China were in a dormant state. In 1950, Pakistan officially recognised the Peoples Republic of China, and broke off ties with Taiwan. Bilateral relations were further strengthened at the Bandung Conference in 1955[18], when talks between the two heads of state played an important role in promoting, understanding and paving way for friendly relations and mutual assistance between the two countries. In 1961, Pakistan furthered its relations with China when it voted in favour of Chinas restoration rights in the UN. Sino-Pak relations got a shot in the arm, with deteriorating Sino-Indian relations which resulted in a war in 1962. China and Pakistan consequently met and agreed on the border between them, in 1963[19], and the Karakoram Highway was consequently built, connecting Chinas Sinkiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region with the Northern Areas of Pakistan. In 1963 itself, a historic trade agreement between China and Pakistan was signed. Following this, diplomatic meetings were fairly frequent. Their strategic cooperation started out due to a mutual need to counter the Soviet Union and India, but later gave birth to Economic cooperation as well. China supported Pakistan in the two wars against India, in 1965 and 1971, with military as well as economic help. These foundations further led to the creation of a Joint Committee for Economy, Trade and Technology in 1982. By the late 1980s, China started discussing possible sales of military equipment and related technology to Pakistan. In the year 1996, Jiang Zemin, the then Chinese President, made a state visit to Pakistan. During the visit, the decision to establish comprehensive friendship and cooperation between the two nations was taken. Relations, since then have continued to move smoothly along the same path. In 2005, China and Pakistan signed a landmark ‘Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, whereby they committed that â€Å"Neither party will join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity† of either nation. Also reiterated was the agreement that both parties â€Å"would not conclude treaties of this nature with any third party†[20]. Conclusion Hence, during the post Cold War era, China turned out to be Pakistans most significant strategic guarantor as far as India was concerned. It was also the source of initial design information for Pakistans nuclear arsenal and also assisted with building of the nuclear technology complex[21]. Since the late 1990s, economic concerns have gained prominence alongside the military-strategic aspect of the relationship; specifically, trade and energy have taken precedence. Over the years, frequent exchanges of high-level visits and contacts between the two countries have resulted in a number of bilateral trade agreements and investment commitments. A comprehensive free trade agreement was signed in 2008, giving each country unprecedented market access to the other. Trade between Islamabad and Beijing now hovers around $7 billion a year and both sides are set on raising the to $15 billion by 2010[22]. CHAPTER IV CHINAS â€Å"STRING OF PEARLS STRATEGY† PAKISTANS PLACE IN IT. Apart from their other characteristics, the outstanding thing about Chinas 600 million people is that they are â€Å"poor and blank.† This may seem a bad thing, but in reality it is a good thing. Poverty gives rise to the desire for change, the desire for action and the desire for revolution. On a blank sheet of paper free from any mark, the freshest and most beautiful pictures can be painted. Zedong Mao What is String of Pearls Strategy A string of pearls strategy is a strategic move which involves establishing a series of nodes of military and economic power throughout a region. Each node is a â€Å"pearl† in the string, enhancing the overall power of the parent nation S.E. Smith The â€Å"String of Pearls Strategy† is an excellent way to enfold a greater area of territory, thereby gaining more influence on the global stage, but it often evokes comment from other nations, who may be concerned that the string of pearls strategy is the first step in a serious takeover or military threat. Several things are included in a ‘String of Pearls Strategy. The first is increased access to airfields and ports. This may be accomplished by building new facilities or through establishing cordial relations with other nations to ensure access to their ports. In some cases, the strategy involves heavily subsidising construction of new ports and airfield facilities in other countries, with the understanding that these facilities will be made readily available as needed. Developing better diplomatic relations is also a crucial step in a ‘String of Pearls Strategy. Partly, this is undertaken to ensure that shipping lanes and airspace remain free and clear for that particular nation. It may also be used to soothe concerns about a rapidly expanding string of pearls, and to establish solid trade and export agreements which may ultimately benefit both nations. Since a string of pearls strategy may rely on linking a series of pearls, it is important to ensure that each pearl is also safe, and that it will not be threatened by neighbouring nations. Modernising military forces is the third component. A modern military can more effectively maintain and hold individual pearls, and it will also be prepared for various actions and exercises on the part of the parent nation. The modernised military also supports a countrys rise as a global power, and as a nation which commands respect. For nations which are slowly encircled in a string of said pearls, a string of pearls strategy can be upsetting. A country may also slowly take over shipping lanes, which is an issue of concern to nations which are not closely allied with it.[23] Chinas String of Pearl Strategy Chinas String of Pearl Strategy is driven by Chinas need to secure foreign oil and trade routes critical to its development. This has meant establishing an increased level of influence along sea routes through investment, port development and diplomacy. Chinas investments presently extend from Hainan Island in the South China Sea, through the littorals of the Straits of Malacca, including port developments in Chittagong in Bangladesh, Sittwe, Coco, Hianggyi, Khaukphyu, Mergui and Zadetkyi Kyun in Myanmar; Laem Chabang in Thailand; and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. They extend across the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistans Gwadar Port, and in islands within the Arabian Sea and into the Persian Gulf. Chinas Interests in the Indian Ocean Region Its String of Pearls[24] Thus, part of these developments includes the upgrading of airstrips, many supported with military facilities, such as the facility on Woody Island, close to Vietnam. These developments may be directed at shifting the balance of power within the Indian and Arabian Gulf, away from the traditional Indian government management to China. However, it needs to be backed up with regional diplomatic ties, which China must look at to dispense with the need to engage with India. The strategy has been developed partially in response to a lack of progress on the Kra Canal project in Thailand, which would directly link the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea. Isthumus of Kra Its Strategic Location for Chinas Shipping Lanes[25] The â€Å"string of pearls† strategy however provides a forward presence for China along the sea lines of communication that now anchor China directly to the Middle East. The question is, whether this strategy is intended purely to ensure secure supply lines and trade routes, or whether China will later use these in a bid to enforce regional supremacy. As long as Chinese interests remain benign, the â€Å"string of pearls† strategy remains the strongest pointer that China is strengthening its energy supply lines with the Middle East and embarking on a level of Southeast Asian trade. This would definitely result in the development of regional prosperity, that will come with Chinas these actions. If the strategy continues without the development of regional conflicts, the ASEAN trading bloc, with China at its heart, and the massive emerging markets of India and the other Southeast Asian nations close by, will develop and begin to rival that of the EU and the United States, and lessen Chinas dependence on these traditional export markets[26]. Why China Chose Pakistan as a Pearl The Peoples Republic of China is believed to be an ideological state wedded to the Communist ideology based on Marxism Leninism[27]. Chinas relations with other countries can be explained on the basis of two conceptual frameworks based on â€Å"Alliance Model† and on â€Å"United Front Model†[28]. However, with Pakistan, Chinas relations appear to be on the â€Å"Alliance Model†. This model sees Chinas foreign policy as â€Å"concerned with short problems, externally determined and reactive. It sees Chinas concern for security as the dominant theme of Chinas foreign policy†[29]. There is an immense desire in China to achieve the status of a Super Power. The first step towards that direction is to achieve a dominant position in Asia. The Indian sub-continent is one of the important areas in this region. In order to be a dominant power, China needs to have an effective dominance in the sub-continent. To this effect, India poses a challenge to China in the region. China is therefore keen to weaken India and who better than Pakistan can be utilised for this purpose by China[30]. USSR, which used to be a friend, guide and protector for China during the initial years of their formation in 1950, began to be considered as a rival and an unreliable ally by the end of the 1950s. Subsequent closeness of USSR with India and her attempts to befriend Pakistan in the 1960s, especially after the 1965 Indo Pak war, led to increased differences between the two countries. China was interested in preventing the Soviet Union from spreading its influence in Pakistan. Knowing that USSR could not befriend Pakistan at the cost of India, China decided to make friends with Pakistan with the aim of preventing the USSR from spreading its influence in South Asia using a powerful India[31]. Chinas strategic objectives in Pakistan stem from the fact that Xinjiang and Tibet are contiguous to the Indian sub-continent and China is still consolidating itself in these regions. Pakistan occupies certain areas of Kashmir which have immense strategic value in view of this. Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) is located in a region where China, India and Afghanistan meet together. The religious affinity between the people of Xinjiang and Pakistan along with the history of repeated revolts by the Xinjiang people against the Chinese government forced China to sign a boundary agreement with Pakistan in 1963 to acquire strategically important areas to keep the influence of the Pakistani fundamentalism away from the people of Xinjiang[32]. Proximity of Chinas Xinjiang Province Tibet Autonomous Region to POK[33] Pakistans geography was helpful in supporting Chinese positions in the North-East in the Chumby Valley (prior to formation of Bangladesh) and in the Ladakh region in the rear of Indian positions. Thus Pakistan d and still s decisively in the defence of Chinas southern flank resulting in close ties between the two countries. The proximity of the Indian sub-continent to Xinjiang and Tibet, Pakistans location in the sub continent and the affinity existing between the Muslims of Xinjiang and Pakistan are matters of great importance for China in its geo political calculations[34]. It could also be Chinas objective to keep things simmering in South Asia by exploiting the Indo Pakistan disputes so that they may weaken each other by confrontation, leaving adequate space for China to be effective in the region. All the above reasons have led to an increased proximity of the Chinese policies towards Pakistan. Conclusion Chinas bond with Pakistan allowed the former a greater sphere of influence in to South Asia, as well provided a bridge between the Muslim world and Beijing. Though, traditionally, the driving factor for China was a hedge against India and getting strategic leverage against India, relations with China gave Pakistan access to civilian and military resources also. To this day, the relationship between the two countries is of high strategic importance, the military relationship with China being the corner stone of Pakistans foreign policy. And in return, Pakistan is helpful in realising Chinas dream of establishing her influence over the globe. CHAPTER V GROWING ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA. To attract good fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend. an old Chinese proverb Though political relations hold the maximum importance between countries, the economic relations are also noteworthy and infact, in recent times, have become one of the most significant factors in determining a nations foreign relations policy. Broadly, the economic relations can be divided into two forms trade and aid. Historical Perspective of Economic Ties During the Han Dynasty, trade existed between Ancient China and Ancient India on camels and yaks along the silk route for almost 3,000 years[35]. Infact, the silk route connecting China and Pakistan was closed down in 1949 and was re-opened in 1967 between the two countries. After partition, trade with India came to a standstill for Pakistan. Hence, Pakistans search for a trading partner to sell jute and cotton in return of coal, iron, cement etc prompted Pakistan to establish economic relations with China[36]. Silk Route[37] Economic and cultural interaction between Pakistan and China began in the 1950s. In April 1955, the late Premier Zhou Enlai held talks with the then Pakistan Prime Minister, M. Ali, during the Bandung Conference, and both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. In January 1963, China and Pakistan signed their fist trade agreement[38]. This was followed up with the â€Å"Cultural Agreement† between the two countries in 1965[39]. The bonding established between the two states has continued ever since, with both countries looking at closer ties with each other for respective benefits. The relations between Pakistan and China were restricted to trade relations till 1964, however, it was in 1965, for the first time, that Pakistan started receiving Chinese aid[40]. In 1978, the Karakoram Highway was officially opened to trade between both countries. In 1986, China and Pakistan reached a comprehensive nuclear cooperation agreement which resulted in a 300-megawatt nuclear power pla nt built with Chinese help in Punjab province, which was completed in 1999[41]. Chinas Recent Economic Involvement in Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf took over power of Pakistan in October 1999 and since then the economic aspect became a major factor in Pakistan-China relations. During his visit to China in January 2000, he laid a great deal of emphasis on economic cooperation and hence the economic relations between the two countries slowly began to improve, both in trade and investments. The Chinese side too reciprocated positively by enhancing economic activity between the two countries[42]. The Chinese Premier at that time, Zhu Rongji, while visiting Pakistan in May 2001, urged the two sides to â€Å"boost cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, information technology and other fields under the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit for achieving common prosperity†[43].During this visit, Pakistan and China signed six Agreements and one MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). The Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan at that time was roughly over one billion dollars. The six agreements included Economic and Technical Cooperation, Tourism Cooperation, Lease Agreement on Saindak Copper-Gold Project, Supply of Locomotives to Pakistan Railways, Supply of Passenger Coaches to Pakistan Railways, White Oil Pipeline and MoU between Chinas ZTE and Pakistan Telecommunications Co. Ltd. Besides, the most important aspect of increasing economic cooperation was that the Chinese Premier reiterated his support for the Gwadar deep sea port and the Mekran coastal highway pro jects[44]. Mekran Coastal Highway[45] During his visit to China in November 2003, President Musharrafs signed a â€Å"Joint Declaration on Direction of Bilateral Relations.† It was a road-map to determine the direction and scope of overall Pakistan-China bilateral relations in the future. It laid additional emphasis on increasing the economic cooperation between the two countries and institutionalising mechanisms for consolidating an all-round relationship[46]. In December 2004, the two countries signed seven agreements in the sectors of trade, communication and energy. They also formulated a framework for enhanced cooperation between them. These agreements revolved around enhancing the bilateral trade, further progress on preferential trade agreement, setting up of joint agro-based industries and increasing of Chinese investments in Pakistan[47]. In April 2005, as many as 21 agreements and MoUs were signed between the two countries. These included cooperation in economy, defence, energy, infrastructure, social sector, health, education, higher education, housing and various other areas. The two countries also signed a â€Å"Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations†[48]. In January 2006, the Early Harvest Programme was launched to encourage bilateral trade, under which China extended zero-rated tariffs on 767 items while Pakistan reciprocated by extending the facility on 464 items[49]. In November 2006, China and Pakistan signed a FTA (free trade agreement). As per the agreement, China and Pakistan would reduce the tariffs on all goods in two phases. The aim of the agreement is to eliminate tariffs on no less than 90 percent of products, both in terms of tariff lines and trade volume, within a reasonably short period of time and on the basis of taking care of the concerns of both sides[50]. The Early Harvest Programme, which had commenced in January 2006, was merged into the FTA[51]. Also, China vowed to help Pakistan in civil nuclear technology by building and helping in the Khusab Nuclear Programme providing technology to Pakistan for better maintenance of civil nuclear plants[52]. In 2009, Pakistan and China signed a number of agreements and MoUs. These included construction of Bunji Dam in the Northern Areas with a capacity of 7,000 Megawatts[53], provision of soft loans for space, space technology and alternate energy including an amount of U.S. $ 190 million to supply Pakistani satellite PAKSAT-1R, which will replace the present satellite PAKSAT-1 that has a useful life until 2011. This loan will cover 85 percent of project Strategic Relations Between China and Pakistan Strategic Relations Between China and Pakistan STRATEGIC RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND PAKISTAN AND ITS IMPACT ON INDO PAK RELATIONS If your environment is changing, you must change with it. If you dont, you perish. Curtis E. Sahakian CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1. China is a modern developing country with good economic and political condition. It is the biggest ancient society with flair towards modern culture and values. China has very good relations with its neighbours like Pakistan. Pakistan was one of the first countries of the world to recognise China, and since then they have very good relations with each other. 2. Pakistan and China entered into a trade agreement in January 1963 which granted reciprocal Most Favoured Nation status in matters of commerce, trade and shipping. Trade between the border regions of China and Pakistan started in 1969 after the first protocol of trade was signed. This border trade has continued to grow with the patronage of both the countries. Further trade protocols have been signed over the years. The construction of the Karakoram Highway has helped to further trade and communication. Pakistan is an important country for China in trade. A lot of projects of economic development in Pakistan are in process with the co-operation of China which are creating lot ofjobs opportunityfor both Pakistan and China. METHODOLOGY STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 4. This dissertation proposes to study and analyse the growing economic relations between Pakistan China, its impact on the security of India and to recommend measures to negate the same by India. HYPOTHESIS 5. Is the growing economic relations between Pakistan China having an adverse impact on the security of India? If yes, what actions should India take to negate them? JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY SCOPE 7. This study concentrates on analysing only the Economic relationship between Pakistan and China and the impact of the same on Indo Pak relations with special emphasis on Indias security. 8. The study is not looking into the military, diplomatic and nuclear relationship between the two countries and the impact these relations are having on Indias security and Indo Pak relations. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS ORGANISATION OF THE DISSERTATION 11. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- (a) Chapter II. Strategic Relationship and it scope. (b) Chapter III. Historical Perspective of strategic relations between Pakistan and China. (c) Chapter IV. Chinas â€Å"String of Pearls Policy† Pakistans place in it. (d) Chapter V. Growing economic ties between Pakistan and China. (e) Chapter VI. Security Issues for India. (f) Chapter VII. Recommendations to negate this strategic relationship by India. CHAPTER II STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP AND ITS SCOPE Interest does not tie nations together; it sometimes separates them. But sympathy and understanding does unite them. -Woodrow T. Wilson No nation is an island. Because domestic policies are constantly affected by developments outside, nations are compelled to enter into dialogue with other nations or initiating entities or form alliance(s) for the purpose of enhancing their status internationally, or increasing their power or prestige and survival in the international system[1]. History The concept of strategic relations is quite old. Humans have been establishing governments and communicating with each other for thousands of years. However, it is generally agreed to that international relations truly began to emerge around the 15th century, when people started exploring the world and interacting with other governments and cultures. Organisations like the Dutch East India Company were among the first multinational corporations[2], while representatives of various European governments met with foreign governments to establish trade agreements and to discuss issues of mutual concern. The formal history of strategic relations is often traced back to the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, where the modern state system was developed. Westphalia instituted the legal concept of sovereignty. Westphalia encouraged the rise of the independent nation-state(s), the institutionalisation of diplomacy and armies[3]. This European system was then exported to the Americas, Africa, and Asia via colonisation and the standards of civilisation. The contemporary international system was eventually established through decolonisation after the Cold War. Definition There are many definitions of Strategic Relations written by numerous authors on the web world. Some relevant ones are as given below. Agreement between two or more entities to conduct specified activities or processes, to achieve specified objectives such as product development or distribution[4]. Strategic Relations refers to the collective interactions of the international community, which includes individual nations and states, inter-governmental organisations such as the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, multinational corporations, and so forth. The term is also used to refer to a branch of political science which focuses on the study of these interactions[5]. Strategic Relations is the study of the relations of states with each other and with international organisations and certain sub-national entities (e.g., bureaucracies and political parties). It is related to a number of other academic disciplines, including political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy[6]. Strategic Relations is the study of the relations among states and other political and economic units in the international system. Particular areas of study within the field of international relations include diplomacy and diplomatic history, international law, body of rules considered legally binding in the relations between national states, also known as the law of nations[7]. Strategic Relations is the interaction between and among states, and more broadly, the workings of the international system as a whole. It can be conceived of either as a multidisciplinary field, gathering together the international aspects of politics, economics, history, law, and sociology, or as a meta-discipline, focusing on the systemic structures and patterns of interaction of the human species taken as a whole. Barry Buzan Strategic Relations is an area of knowledge based on political science, law, economy, sociology, philosophy, and other social sciences. Traditionally, it not only treats the relations between nation states, but also, International Organisations and non-state actors in the international arena, like non-governmental organisations, and multinational corporations[8]. What do Strategic Relations Mean Strategic Relationship represents the study of foreign affairs and global issues among states within the international system, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organisations (IGOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and multinational corporations (MNCs). It is both an academic and public policy field, and seeks to analyse as well as formulate the foreign policy of a particular state[9]. Apart from political science, Strategic Relations draws upon such diverse fields as economics, history, international law, philosophy, geography, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies. It involves a diverse range of issues including globalisation, state sovereignty, ecological sustainability, nuclear proliferation, nationalism, economic development, global finance, terrorism, organised crime, human security, foreign interventionism and human rights. There are two main approaches to the field of International Relations. The first is the Realist or Pragmatist approach. This claims that conflict is inevitable and the best way to approach international relations is to be prepared to engage in conflicts and win. The second approach is the Structuralist approach and is symbolised by diplomacy, according to which conflict is not inevitable, focusing on the causes of conflict, stressing on the costs of conflict vis a vis possible gains. This school of thought has been heavily influenced by Galtungs theory of structural violence[10]. Broadly speaking, the two approaches to International Relations can be attributed to either side of the Atlantic: Realism is seen as a primarily American worldview while Structuralism is seen as typically European. Conclusion Considering the vast spectrum of the subject, Strategic Relations can become incredibly complex. The subject is also sometimes known as â€Å"foreign relations†. Specialists in this field staff diplomatic agencies abroad, provide consultation to businesses which are considering to establish branches overseas, and assist charitable non-governmental organisations with their missions. CHAPTER III HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF STRATEGIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA The opinions we hold of one another, our relations with friends and kinfolk are in no sense permanent, save in appearance, but are as eternally fluid as the sea itself. Marcel Proust Why Pakistan Chose to Align with China Pakistans attitude towards China is determined by its geography, economic constraints, domestic compulsions and the regional and international situation. The erstwhile fragmented shape of Pakistan, i.e. East and West Pakistan, had greatly contributed to the establishment of Pakistans close relations with China. Geographic constraints on account of Pakistans location, topography and the nature of its frontiers, gave rise to security problems for Pakistan. With the construction of highways connecting China and Pakistan, through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, China acquired an easy approach to Pakistan. This turned out as a mixed blessing for Pakistan. So long as relations with China are friendly, there is no threat from the North. But in case of strained Sino Pak relations, there would be a grave threat from China[11]. Pakistani policy makers were conscious of this constraint and did express their fears in an unambiguous manner. President Ayub Khan wrote in his political autobiography:- West Pakistan is wedged in between three enormous powers with the Soviet Union at the top, the Peoples Republic of China in the North East, and India in the South and East. I know of no other small country which has the somewhat dubious distinction of having three such mighty neighbours[12]. A number of considerations prompted Pakistan to strengthen its economic and trade ties with China. Firstly, like China, Pakistan was a developing country and the two countries faced common problems in the field of agriculture and industrialisation. China had successfully solved the problem of water logging, salinity and floods, which Pakistan could benefit from. Secondly, the aid offered by China was very attractive as it carried rock-bottom low rate of interest or no interest at all. Thirdly, China showed interest in setting up heavy industries in Pakistan Taxila Industrial Complex, assisted by China is an example. Fourthly, trade with China was beneficial to Pakistan as the balance of the trade generally went in favour of Pakistan and rarely in favour of China[13]. Fifthly, 1962 Sino India war turned Pakistan towards China to counter India. Sixthly, US support to India increased after the Sino India war to counter China, this was resented by Pakistan, which China exploited to w ean the influence of US from Pakistan and get a foothold in the Indian subcontinent. And finally, the Kashmir issue. Pakistan adjudged its relations with other countries in terms of their attitude towards the Kashmir issue. Pakistan regarded China as a friend since its hostility towards India in 1962 and its involvement in the Kashmir issue thereafter[14]. The location of Tibet and Xinjiang on the north of the Indian subcontinent places China in a position to intervene militarily in a confrontation between India and Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway can be used by China for sending arms and ammunition and even the forces. In 1971, Indo Pakistan war, it was used for this purpose[15]. With a view to combating India, Pakistan has been seeking a political counterweight against it. Finding that China was interested in undermining Indias political influence in the Afro Asian world, Pakistani leaders thought that China could serve as a counterweight against India. It was, therefore, a Pakistani objective to seek Chinas political support against India[16]. Karakoram Highway[17] History of Sino Pak Relations After Pakistans creation in 1947, Pakistans relations with China were in a dormant state. In 1950, Pakistan officially recognised the Peoples Republic of China, and broke off ties with Taiwan. Bilateral relations were further strengthened at the Bandung Conference in 1955[18], when talks between the two heads of state played an important role in promoting, understanding and paving way for friendly relations and mutual assistance between the two countries. In 1961, Pakistan furthered its relations with China when it voted in favour of Chinas restoration rights in the UN. Sino-Pak relations got a shot in the arm, with deteriorating Sino-Indian relations which resulted in a war in 1962. China and Pakistan consequently met and agreed on the border between them, in 1963[19], and the Karakoram Highway was consequently built, connecting Chinas Sinkiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region with the Northern Areas of Pakistan. In 1963 itself, a historic trade agreement between China and Pakistan was signed. Following this, diplomatic meetings were fairly frequent. Their strategic cooperation started out due to a mutual need to counter the Soviet Union and India, but later gave birth to Economic cooperation as well. China supported Pakistan in the two wars against India, in 1965 and 1971, with military as well as economic help. These foundations further led to the creation of a Joint Committee for Economy, Trade and Technology in 1982. By the late 1980s, China started discussing possible sales of military equipment and related technology to Pakistan. In the year 1996, Jiang Zemin, the then Chinese President, made a state visit to Pakistan. During the visit, the decision to establish comprehensive friendship and cooperation between the two nations was taken. Relations, since then have continued to move smoothly along the same path. In 2005, China and Pakistan signed a landmark ‘Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, whereby they committed that â€Å"Neither party will join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity† of either nation. Also reiterated was the agreement that both parties â€Å"would not conclude treaties of this nature with any third party†[20]. Conclusion Hence, during the post Cold War era, China turned out to be Pakistans most significant strategic guarantor as far as India was concerned. It was also the source of initial design information for Pakistans nuclear arsenal and also assisted with building of the nuclear technology complex[21]. Since the late 1990s, economic concerns have gained prominence alongside the military-strategic aspect of the relationship; specifically, trade and energy have taken precedence. Over the years, frequent exchanges of high-level visits and contacts between the two countries have resulted in a number of bilateral trade agreements and investment commitments. A comprehensive free trade agreement was signed in 2008, giving each country unprecedented market access to the other. Trade between Islamabad and Beijing now hovers around $7 billion a year and both sides are set on raising the to $15 billion by 2010[22]. CHAPTER IV CHINAS â€Å"STRING OF PEARLS STRATEGY† PAKISTANS PLACE IN IT. Apart from their other characteristics, the outstanding thing about Chinas 600 million people is that they are â€Å"poor and blank.† This may seem a bad thing, but in reality it is a good thing. Poverty gives rise to the desire for change, the desire for action and the desire for revolution. On a blank sheet of paper free from any mark, the freshest and most beautiful pictures can be painted. Zedong Mao What is String of Pearls Strategy A string of pearls strategy is a strategic move which involves establishing a series of nodes of military and economic power throughout a region. Each node is a â€Å"pearl† in the string, enhancing the overall power of the parent nation S.E. Smith The â€Å"String of Pearls Strategy† is an excellent way to enfold a greater area of territory, thereby gaining more influence on the global stage, but it often evokes comment from other nations, who may be concerned that the string of pearls strategy is the first step in a serious takeover or military threat. Several things are included in a ‘String of Pearls Strategy. The first is increased access to airfields and ports. This may be accomplished by building new facilities or through establishing cordial relations with other nations to ensure access to their ports. In some cases, the strategy involves heavily subsidising construction of new ports and airfield facilities in other countries, with the understanding that these facilities will be made readily available as needed. Developing better diplomatic relations is also a crucial step in a ‘String of Pearls Strategy. Partly, this is undertaken to ensure that shipping lanes and airspace remain free and clear for that particular nation. It may also be used to soothe concerns about a rapidly expanding string of pearls, and to establish solid trade and export agreements which may ultimately benefit both nations. Since a string of pearls strategy may rely on linking a series of pearls, it is important to ensure that each pearl is also safe, and that it will not be threatened by neighbouring nations. Modernising military forces is the third component. A modern military can more effectively maintain and hold individual pearls, and it will also be prepared for various actions and exercises on the part of the parent nation. The modernised military also supports a countrys rise as a global power, and as a nation which commands respect. For nations which are slowly encircled in a string of said pearls, a string of pearls strategy can be upsetting. A country may also slowly take over shipping lanes, which is an issue of concern to nations which are not closely allied with it.[23] Chinas String of Pearl Strategy Chinas String of Pearl Strategy is driven by Chinas need to secure foreign oil and trade routes critical to its development. This has meant establishing an increased level of influence along sea routes through investment, port development and diplomacy. Chinas investments presently extend from Hainan Island in the South China Sea, through the littorals of the Straits of Malacca, including port developments in Chittagong in Bangladesh, Sittwe, Coco, Hianggyi, Khaukphyu, Mergui and Zadetkyi Kyun in Myanmar; Laem Chabang in Thailand; and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. They extend across the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistans Gwadar Port, and in islands within the Arabian Sea and into the Persian Gulf. Chinas Interests in the Indian Ocean Region Its String of Pearls[24] Thus, part of these developments includes the upgrading of airstrips, many supported with military facilities, such as the facility on Woody Island, close to Vietnam. These developments may be directed at shifting the balance of power within the Indian and Arabian Gulf, away from the traditional Indian government management to China. However, it needs to be backed up with regional diplomatic ties, which China must look at to dispense with the need to engage with India. The strategy has been developed partially in response to a lack of progress on the Kra Canal project in Thailand, which would directly link the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea. Isthumus of Kra Its Strategic Location for Chinas Shipping Lanes[25] The â€Å"string of pearls† strategy however provides a forward presence for China along the sea lines of communication that now anchor China directly to the Middle East. The question is, whether this strategy is intended purely to ensure secure supply lines and trade routes, or whether China will later use these in a bid to enforce regional supremacy. As long as Chinese interests remain benign, the â€Å"string of pearls† strategy remains the strongest pointer that China is strengthening its energy supply lines with the Middle East and embarking on a level of Southeast Asian trade. This would definitely result in the development of regional prosperity, that will come with Chinas these actions. If the strategy continues without the development of regional conflicts, the ASEAN trading bloc, with China at its heart, and the massive emerging markets of India and the other Southeast Asian nations close by, will develop and begin to rival that of the EU and the United States, and lessen Chinas dependence on these traditional export markets[26]. Why China Chose Pakistan as a Pearl The Peoples Republic of China is believed to be an ideological state wedded to the Communist ideology based on Marxism Leninism[27]. Chinas relations with other countries can be explained on the basis of two conceptual frameworks based on â€Å"Alliance Model† and on â€Å"United Front Model†[28]. However, with Pakistan, Chinas relations appear to be on the â€Å"Alliance Model†. This model sees Chinas foreign policy as â€Å"concerned with short problems, externally determined and reactive. It sees Chinas concern for security as the dominant theme of Chinas foreign policy†[29]. There is an immense desire in China to achieve the status of a Super Power. The first step towards that direction is to achieve a dominant position in Asia. The Indian sub-continent is one of the important areas in this region. In order to be a dominant power, China needs to have an effective dominance in the sub-continent. To this effect, India poses a challenge to China in the region. China is therefore keen to weaken India and who better than Pakistan can be utilised for this purpose by China[30]. USSR, which used to be a friend, guide and protector for China during the initial years of their formation in 1950, began to be considered as a rival and an unreliable ally by the end of the 1950s. Subsequent closeness of USSR with India and her attempts to befriend Pakistan in the 1960s, especially after the 1965 Indo Pak war, led to increased differences between the two countries. China was interested in preventing the Soviet Union from spreading its influence in Pakistan. Knowing that USSR could not befriend Pakistan at the cost of India, China decided to make friends with Pakistan with the aim of preventing the USSR from spreading its influence in South Asia using a powerful India[31]. Chinas strategic objectives in Pakistan stem from the fact that Xinjiang and Tibet are contiguous to the Indian sub-continent and China is still consolidating itself in these regions. Pakistan occupies certain areas of Kashmir which have immense strategic value in view of this. Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) is located in a region where China, India and Afghanistan meet together. The religious affinity between the people of Xinjiang and Pakistan along with the history of repeated revolts by the Xinjiang people against the Chinese government forced China to sign a boundary agreement with Pakistan in 1963 to acquire strategically important areas to keep the influence of the Pakistani fundamentalism away from the people of Xinjiang[32]. Proximity of Chinas Xinjiang Province Tibet Autonomous Region to POK[33] Pakistans geography was helpful in supporting Chinese positions in the North-East in the Chumby Valley (prior to formation of Bangladesh) and in the Ladakh region in the rear of Indian positions. Thus Pakistan d and still s decisively in the defence of Chinas southern flank resulting in close ties between the two countries. The proximity of the Indian sub-continent to Xinjiang and Tibet, Pakistans location in the sub continent and the affinity existing between the Muslims of Xinjiang and Pakistan are matters of great importance for China in its geo political calculations[34]. It could also be Chinas objective to keep things simmering in South Asia by exploiting the Indo Pakistan disputes so that they may weaken each other by confrontation, leaving adequate space for China to be effective in the region. All the above reasons have led to an increased proximity of the Chinese policies towards Pakistan. Conclusion Chinas bond with Pakistan allowed the former a greater sphere of influence in to South Asia, as well provided a bridge between the Muslim world and Beijing. Though, traditionally, the driving factor for China was a hedge against India and getting strategic leverage against India, relations with China gave Pakistan access to civilian and military resources also. To this day, the relationship between the two countries is of high strategic importance, the military relationship with China being the corner stone of Pakistans foreign policy. And in return, Pakistan is helpful in realising Chinas dream of establishing her influence over the globe. CHAPTER V GROWING ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA. To attract good fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend. an old Chinese proverb Though political relations hold the maximum importance between countries, the economic relations are also noteworthy and infact, in recent times, have become one of the most significant factors in determining a nations foreign relations policy. Broadly, the economic relations can be divided into two forms trade and aid. Historical Perspective of Economic Ties During the Han Dynasty, trade existed between Ancient China and Ancient India on camels and yaks along the silk route for almost 3,000 years[35]. Infact, the silk route connecting China and Pakistan was closed down in 1949 and was re-opened in 1967 between the two countries. After partition, trade with India came to a standstill for Pakistan. Hence, Pakistans search for a trading partner to sell jute and cotton in return of coal, iron, cement etc prompted Pakistan to establish economic relations with China[36]. Silk Route[37] Economic and cultural interaction between Pakistan and China began in the 1950s. In April 1955, the late Premier Zhou Enlai held talks with the then Pakistan Prime Minister, M. Ali, during the Bandung Conference, and both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. In January 1963, China and Pakistan signed their fist trade agreement[38]. This was followed up with the â€Å"Cultural Agreement† between the two countries in 1965[39]. The bonding established between the two states has continued ever since, with both countries looking at closer ties with each other for respective benefits. The relations between Pakistan and China were restricted to trade relations till 1964, however, it was in 1965, for the first time, that Pakistan started receiving Chinese aid[40]. In 1978, the Karakoram Highway was officially opened to trade between both countries. In 1986, China and Pakistan reached a comprehensive nuclear cooperation agreement which resulted in a 300-megawatt nuclear power pla nt built with Chinese help in Punjab province, which was completed in 1999[41]. Chinas Recent Economic Involvement in Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf took over power of Pakistan in October 1999 and since then the economic aspect became a major factor in Pakistan-China relations. During his visit to China in January 2000, he laid a great deal of emphasis on economic cooperation and hence the economic relations between the two countries slowly began to improve, both in trade and investments. The Chinese side too reciprocated positively by enhancing economic activity between the two countries[42]. The Chinese Premier at that time, Zhu Rongji, while visiting Pakistan in May 2001, urged the two sides to â€Å"boost cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, information technology and other fields under the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit for achieving common prosperity†[43].During this visit, Pakistan and China signed six Agreements and one MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). The Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan at that time was roughly over one billion dollars. The six agreements included Economic and Technical Cooperation, Tourism Cooperation, Lease Agreement on Saindak Copper-Gold Project, Supply of Locomotives to Pakistan Railways, Supply of Passenger Coaches to Pakistan Railways, White Oil Pipeline and MoU between Chinas ZTE and Pakistan Telecommunications Co. Ltd. Besides, the most important aspect of increasing economic cooperation was that the Chinese Premier reiterated his support for the Gwadar deep sea port and the Mekran coastal highway pro jects[44]. Mekran Coastal Highway[45] During his visit to China in November 2003, President Musharrafs signed a â€Å"Joint Declaration on Direction of Bilateral Relations.† It was a road-map to determine the direction and scope of overall Pakistan-China bilateral relations in the future. It laid additional emphasis on increasing the economic cooperation between the two countries and institutionalising mechanisms for consolidating an all-round relationship[46]. In December 2004, the two countries signed seven agreements in the sectors of trade, communication and energy. They also formulated a framework for enhanced cooperation between them. These agreements revolved around enhancing the bilateral trade, further progress on preferential trade agreement, setting up of joint agro-based industries and increasing of Chinese investments in Pakistan[47]. In April 2005, as many as 21 agreements and MoUs were signed between the two countries. These included cooperation in economy, defence, energy, infrastructure, social sector, health, education, higher education, housing and various other areas. The two countries also signed a â€Å"Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations†[48]. In January 2006, the Early Harvest Programme was launched to encourage bilateral trade, under which China extended zero-rated tariffs on 767 items while Pakistan reciprocated by extending the facility on 464 items[49]. In November 2006, China and Pakistan signed a FTA (free trade agreement). As per the agreement, China and Pakistan would reduce the tariffs on all goods in two phases. The aim of the agreement is to eliminate tariffs on no less than 90 percent of products, both in terms of tariff lines and trade volume, within a reasonably short period of time and on the basis of taking care of the concerns of both sides[50]. The Early Harvest Programme, which had commenced in January 2006, was merged into the FTA[51]. Also, China vowed to help Pakistan in civil nuclear technology by building and helping in the Khusab Nuclear Programme providing technology to Pakistan for better maintenance of civil nuclear plants[52]. In 2009, Pakistan and China signed a number of agreements and MoUs. These included construction of Bunji Dam in the Northern Areas with a capacity of 7,000 Megawatts[53], provision of soft loans for space, space technology and alternate energy including an amount of U.S. $ 190 million to supply Pakistani satellite PAKSAT-1R, which will replace the present satellite PAKSAT-1 that has a useful life until 2011. This loan will cover 85 percent of project