China’s relations with South Asian Countries

Introduction

Presentation on “China’s relations with South Asian Countries” by Ms. Asiya Mahar, Assistant Research Officer was organized by Islamabad Policy Research Institute, Islamabad on August 29, 2014 at IPRI Conference Hall.

Salient Points:

Key points of presentation are mentioned hereafter:

• China’s involvement in Asia is a main focus of its foreign policy and part of China’s multilateral strategy aims at enhancing its role at regional and global level.

• Chinese discourse on South Asia particularises three levels of China’s engagement in this region. Firstly, China attempts to institutionalize China–South Asia network; secondly, China wants to strengthen bilateral ties with individual countries of South Asia; and thirdly, China explores possibility of cooperation on infrastructure and energy sectors, i.e., cooperation that ensures investments by Chinese enterprises.

• In South Asia, China has an active but limited role. China’s engagement with South Asia has precautionary elements due to India-Pakistan rivalry, past and present power struggle among global powers, i.e., U.S. and Russia, lack of interest towards promoting regionalism in South Asia and Indian reluctance to let China become member of SAARC.

• An important dimension of the evolving Sino-Indian economic relationship is based on energy requirements of their industrial expansion and their readiness to proactively secure them by investing in the oilfields in Africa, Middle East and Central Asia.

• Chinese concern related to expansion of cooperative ties with India pertains to convincing that country for not becoming part of US’ plan to contain its rise (a claim which China feels is “evidenced” by the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement) and to peacefully resolve contentious border issues and territorial claims with India.

• Indian concerns include avoiding an arms race with China, avoiding entanglement in the US-China rivalry, avoiding being kept in check by China and China’s all weather friendship with Pakistan.

• Issues of common interest that exist between China and Pakistan are Afghan problem, continuing instability in Central Asia and the issue of Kashmir.

The impediments that affect Chinese cooperation with South Asian countries are mentioned hereafter:

• Countries in South Asia are geographically disproportionate in size and economic development.

• India carries a central position in the region in terms of its geographical location, its size and its economy.

• China’s two unstable regions, i.e., Xinjiang and Tibet bordering on South Asian region are vulnerable to terrorism.

• Economic tie-ups and greater trade integration with South Asian countries has been obstructed by tension between India and Pakistan and fear of Indian trade domination in South Asia.

• Countries of South Asia have no experience of working together in the past for common regional purposes. The sense of nationalism dominates which is not conducive to regional approach.

• Most of the countries within South Asia mark their bilateral relations with suspicion, misunderstanding and even conflict. Consequently, political rivalries are leading to lessening cooperation.

• In addition, the involvement of the global powers in South Asia and intra-regional relations in South Asia has limited options at regional and international levels.

In an effort to effectively engage China and enhance its bilateral and multilateral cooperation with South Asian neighbours, following recommendations can be made:

• Small states of South Asia can capture opportunities and become a centre of geopolitical competition between rising China and India.

• For stability in South Asia, economics should override politics.

• Trade relations between China and South Asian countries can be enhanced through utilization of further tariff concessions under Asia Pacific Trade Agreement and through granting duty free access to South Asian products in Chinese markets.

• Stable and prosperous South Asia can address security concerns of three nuclear states, i.e., China, India and Pakistan.

• Efforts should be made to assist South Asian countries in not only knowing the ways of regional cooperation, but also the how’s of it.

• In view of improvement in China-India ties, Pakistan should further deepen its relations with China in socio-economic, political and strategic arenas to be reinforced by increased people to people contact.

Published by:
Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
http://www.ipripak.org/chinas-relations-with-south-asian-countries/

Pakistan-Azerbaijan Bilateral Ties: Options for Future Strategy

Asiya Mahar, Assistant Research Officer, IPRI
SAM Visiting Research Fellow

On June 9, 2014 Pakistan-Azerbaijan completed 22 years of bilateral relationship. The cooperation between the two states extends to every sphere ranging from political, economic, technological, security to cultural arenas.
This article intends to analyze and present retrospect of Pakistan-Azerbaijan cooperation from various perspectives and in terms of where do they stand today and where they could have been with better mutual cooperation for attainment of better benefits?
The two countries do share common values in terms of culture and religion; however, there exists tangible variance in the domains of infrastructure development, education system, political set-up and economic policies. Amongst that multiplicity, it will be significant to explore what both states can offer to each other and what can they learn from this commonality and diversity? Furthermore, today international relations are turning more and more global in their outlook with wider interconnectedness among states, from that point of view how Azerbaijan and Pakistan as states can be of benefit to each other in international arena?
Pronounced is the fact that supporting Azerbaijan’s stance on the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Pakistan is the only state that has not recognized Armenia, the article will analyze aspects of Pakistan’s support to Azerbaijan. The article will also highlight Pakistan-Azerbaijan reciprocal support on Kashmir and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts, in addition to looking at society-society learning opportunities between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, understanding regional dynamics of both the countries and cooperation options available for both states in global sphere.

Pakistan-Azerbaijan Ties: Retrospect of 21 years of Cooperation

Pakistan was the third country after Turkey and Romania that recognized Azerbaijan immediately and built diplomatic ties after its independence from USSR in 1991. Pakistan extended assistance of US$ 1 million to newly independent brother country Azerbaijan, and initially for capacity development organized free courses and trainings for professionals of Azerbaijan in different domains. For instance, in the field of diplomacy alone, today Azerbaijan has its 44 diplomats trained from Pakistan Foreign Service Academy.
Since then, Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy close and cordial relations, characterized by shared perceptions on major global and regional issues. Apart from official diplomatic high level visits and meetings that are regularly held among the heads of states, military and parliamentary officials; few prominent among many significant developments that have contributed towards cementing of the ties between the two states are; formation of Joint Ministerial Commission cultural forums like Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship Association, existence of Multani Caravanserai hotel in downtown of Baku, reconstruction of the High School for Girls donated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the adoption of resolution by Foreign Relations Committee of Senate of Pakistan recognizing Khojaly massacre as genocide and demanding Armenia to leave Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and its adjacent regions.
But amongst this progressive advancement of bilateral ties, there happened few unfortunate developments too. For instance, in the beginning, direct airlines were established by Pakistan International Airlines but later on it was not financially viable for the Airline to carry on the flights thus after 3 years the airline services were terminated. Recently some attempts have been made to introduce direct flights between Baku and Islamabad, but the progress of the initiative lies in limbo because PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) presently due to its resource incapacity is not able to establish the link.
In addition, since the time of establishment of relations, Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Ministerial Commission has also been established. Over 30 Memorandum of Understandings (MOU’s) have been signed but most of them have not been followed up. In 21 years, the commission has met for 5 times only and the next meeting is scheduled at the end of 2014. More meetings and the follow up of the meetings can produce effective results.

Mutual Opportunities that can be worked out between Pakistan and Azerbaijan

There exist tremendous opportunities for Azerbaijani and Pakistani investors in each other’s country. In terms of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, there exist multiple unutilized opportunities that could have been worked WELL for strengthening the relations between the two states.
For instance, the level of annual trade between the two countries in the last 5 years remained between US$ 17 to 25 million only, which does not correspond with the level of existing bilateral political goodwill between the two nations.
As the economy is getting global in its outlook, states are removing non-tariff barriers to trade referred to trade in goods, services and factors of production; Pakistan and Azerbaijan can follow the example too. This will create fair play of trade and HEALTHY competition in the market among the products coming from various countries.
Talking about in terms of opportunities that Pakistani side hold, firstly multiple joint ventures can be introduced in the field of PHARMACEUTICALS. Pakistan has proven expertise in the field thus; both the Governments can facilitate companies to get registered to make them able to introduce their products.
In addition, Pakistan’s textile industry has massive potential and it is contributing 9.5% share to country’s GDP. Pakistan is the 8th largest exporter of textile products in Asia. Moreover, Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of cotton with the third largest spinning capacity in Asia after China and India, and contributes 5% to the global spinning capacity. Seeing the market consumption demand for textiles in Azerbaijan, multiple measures can be taken to maximize the opportunity.
Pakistan also produces quality sports goods. This year 42 million soccer balls worth Rs17.473 million have been exported from Sialkot for the  FIFA Football World Cup 2014 which was held in Brazil. Pertaining to First European Games 2015 going to be held in Baku, proposals can be initiated by Pakistan for Azerbaijan to import sports good from Pakistan.
Coming over to opportunities that Azerbaijan hold for Pakistan, again they are many. In Pakistan the demand of Petroleum and oil products is increasing and presently it is meeting those demands via Gulf Market. As Azerbaijan is one of the world’s oldest oil producing countries and has played a significant role in the development of today’s oil industry, agreements for the export of oil and petroleum products can be agreed upon.
Moreover, a project similar to Trans-Afghanistan Gas Pipeline also known as Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI) can be brought to cards. TAPI is presented as an example because it the most recent proposed natural gas pipeline being developed by the Asian Development Bank and expected to get completed in around 2017. The pipeline holds economically significance, as it will transport Caspian Sea natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India. Proponents of the project also see it as a modern continuation of the Silk Road.
In addition, Azerbaijan can export its chemical products to Pakistan as it is in demand in the consumption market of Pakistan.
In terms of infrastructure development, Azerbaijan lies ahead of Pakistan and currently the Government of Pakistan is undertaking massive mega infrastructure projects attracting the investors. Being in a better position, Azerbaijan can invest and earn from Pakistan’s infrastructure development.
Although the project of direct flights between Baku and Islamabad lies in limbo, but both the sides share perception that such flight are vital for the enhancement of bilateral ties, people to people contact, promotion of tourism and also business activities, thus both the states are working over an alternative proposal linking Istanbul-Baku-Lahore which is under serious considerations.
Talking in terms of opportunities that exist in cultural cooperation, many a times cultural tours have been offered, but financially at present that option does not seem to be viable for Government of Pakistan. On their own, Pakistani artists, students, researchers, academicians, professional, and businessmen; are not capable of meeting the expense of such tours. Azerbaijan can initiate capacity development measures for them by inviting them and giving them opportunity to share their expertise.
On the other side, Azerbaijani artists, students, researchers, academicians, investors are well established to be able to visit Pakistan. Cultural exchange stays as a long delayed process; it needs to be initiated because it undoubtedly is a fruitful process that eventually will take the grounds to show practical results.

Pakistan - Only State that has not recognized Armenia

A unique feature of Pakistan-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship is strong support that both the states extend to each other on issues of mutual interest. For instance, seeing the aggression in terms of massacre of hundreds of Azerbaijanis in Khojaly and occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories by Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Pakistan has always backed Azerbaijan. Pakistan has neither till date recognized Armenia nor has established any kind of diplomatic relations, and at every international forum it has supported Azerbaijan.
It sounds surprising to many people, when they get to know that Pakistan is the only state that has not recognized Armenia but Pakistan describes its relationship with Muslim countries as reflective of its belief in Ummah, unity and fraternity. However, Pakistani analysts are of the view that Pakistan’s support to Azerbaijan and non-recognition of Armenia does not come without price tag, and as a developing country it is paying heavy price for it. For instance, Pakistan want to be a part of TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe, Caucuses and Asia) but Armenia being a member of the treaty continuously opposes Pakistan’s entry into the treaty. Whenever Pakistan puts forward the demand for joining the treaty, Armenia together with other countries joins their voices to halt the acceptance of Pakistan as a member. Though Azerbaijan has supported Pakistan’s membership but that cannot overcome the opposing voices.
Nevertheless, Armenian opposition has not affected Pakistan’s approach towards Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Last year, Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate of Pakistan passed a resolution declaring the Khojaly tragedy as genocide in which several hundreds of Azerbaijanis were killed. This has strengthened the international support to the cause of Azerbaijan. Along with Pakistan, many other countries have followed the lead and have passed similar resolutions from the floor of their parliament. Moreover, Azerbaijan commendably is using all its economic resources and regional strategic position to muster international support for this resolution. The continuity of such efforts will help Azerbaijan achieve its cause sooner or later.
In return for Pakistan’s support to Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan has supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir resolution. Specifically, after the resolution passed by the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate of Pakistan in support of Nagorno-Karabakh, there is an increase in demand in Pakistani public circles for a reciprocal resolution on Kashmir from the platform of Parliament of Azerbaijan on account of similarities that Kashmir issue holds with Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Conflict in Kashmir has been on the agenda of the United Nations for more than six decades now, as an unfulfilled obligation and Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast resolve to stand by Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have continued their valiant struggle to achieve legitimate right of self-determination. Azerbaijan understands the issue WELL and has always supported the stance of Pakistan. For the understanding of the readers, some of the similarities between issue of Kashmir and Nagorno-Karabakh are highlighted hereafter that are worth noticing:
·         Illegal occupation and aggression against unarmed local population
·         Obvious defiance of international law
·         Non-implementation of UN Resolutions
·         Displacement of population
·         Changes in the demography of the conflict zones
·         Continued human rights violations in the conflict zones
·         Desecration of religious sites, destruction of historical buildings and cultural heritage
·         Threat to regional peace and security and on.

Pakistan-Azerbaijan Societal learning

There is much that can be learned from this bilateral relationship pertaining to different dynamics of origin, different nature of challenges, which have been faced by both states along with ensuring survivability in international relations. In fact both the sides can learn how to survive from each other. Pakistan has gone through so many challenges at national and international level. Similarly, Azerbaijan has survived independence after a long struggle. Hence, unanimity of use should be created.
Moreover, through institutional linkages we can understand our systems based on understanding that ‘as some traits are good in you similarly some are good in us’. People to people contact should be enhanced through cultural tour exchanges.
Languages should be learnt and books should be translated. There exist multiple issues that are faced by the world altogether like environment protection, food security, energy security, physical security i.e. HEALTH security, need for developing infrastructure, need for creating jobs for youth; and on all of them Azerbaijan and Pakistan can work together on bilateral and international spheres.
Apart from above mentioned non-traditional security threats, common traditional security challenges also exist like conflict resolution of Kashmir versus Nagorno-Karabakh that needs to be addressed via security cooperation.

Understanding Regional Dynamics of Azerbaijan and Pakistan

From the viewpoint of two regions i.e. South Caucuses and South Asia, Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations have different dynamics. Both states face varied features of content, discontent, diplomatic pressures among regional countries that impact their foreign policies.
Russia has major influence in South Caucuses region and wants to maintain its sphere of influence in the region to prevent Soviet legacy, whereas NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and EU (European Union) are doing efforts to grow their influence. In view of these emerging dynamic regional developments, Government of Azerbaijan is trying to strike some kind of equilibrium by not complicating its balanced relation with Russia, while maintaining stable relations with European Union. This is how the state has to cater the challenges.
Comparably, South Asia has different dynamics because of rivalry between India and Pakistan and two wars the states have fought in the past. There is unresolved Kashmir issue, which India considered as part of its territory whereas Pakistan vocally support and demand legitimate right of self-determination for Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan’s difficulty is that on Northern borders with China Pakistan has time tested friendship; on Eastern borders with India Pakistan has rivalry; on Western borders with Afghanistan Pakistan is facing issues of instability and the war against terrorism has inflicted heavier price on Pakistan in terms of refugees, insurgency, terrorism, and loss of life and property. Moreover on western borders, Pakistan faces foreign policy challenges to manage relations with Iran.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind the global outlook and divergent interconnectedness among states, few significant joint ventures in terms of cooperation at national and international spheres are possible between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The exchange of ideas on success and disadvantages can help both sides formulate right options at right times. As mentioned earlier in the article, multiple non-traditional security measures and traditional security measures hold opportunities; Pakistan and Azerbaijan just need attempts and serious measures of cooperation to strengthen the cooperation.
Summing it up, significant point to highlight and understand is that political goodwill can remain in contact as a back support, but it has a shelf-live. The community links between Azerbaijan and Pakistan need to be created and strengthened, as they are real force that can bring real difference.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan face varied regional challenges but they have immense capacity too, apart from just mentioning what can be done, much can be done in real sense with the will to cooperate.

Article published by:

Center for Strategic Studies (SAM), Baku, Azerbaijan
http://sam.az/articles/view/pakistan-azerbaijan-bilateral-ties-options-for-future-strategy-


Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
http://www.ipripak.org/pakistan-azerbaijan-bilateral-ties-options-for-future-strategy/

Impressions of Baku

By Asiya Mahar,

Visiting Research Fellow at Centre for Strategic Studies (SAM) under the President of Republic of Azerbaijan;
Assistant Research Officer, Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Islamabad, Pakistan.

It is in fact a coincidence of pleasure for me that my one month stay at Baku has matched with a date when Azerbaijani’s are celebrating their Republic day. Firstly, I pay heartiest congratulations to all Azerbaijani’s for sustaining their independence with vision, cordial political-civil relationship and owing sincerity and determination to their land.

There is a lot to say, lot to share, and a short article cannot deliver it all. In addition, may be my impressions sound undeveloped, non-agreeable but they do are well thought of because a researchers foremost responsibility is to see the facts, compare them with actual situation on ground, convey  them objectively to the readers and leave it on the readers to make their opinion themselves.

There exists a clear distinction between sharing knowledge and creating opinion, and my job is the first one.
Having said that; I will present my impressions about Baku from three different viewpoints that I experience daily, first as a researcher and professional, second as a common man and third as a traveler or explorer.
As a researcher, I find Baku as a city with professional work environment that will keep you busy and you will not get enough spare time out during work hours to experience bore kind of feeling, as everyone is busy doing something better than the previous day and their exist a healthier competition that motivates you to do this, do that, organize this meeting, generate this idea, write new article, have discussions, debates, lectures etc. and build your understanding as much as you wish to.

I am pleased to see the quick process of book, article, report writing and publishing; for the reason that if you want to do something progressive no one will stop you rather people around you will extend every kind of help to assist you go through every stage of the process. I would like to pay gratitude to my colleagues at Centre for Strategic Studies (SAM) under the President of Republic of Azerbaijan for boosting my keenness for research work.
Moreover, this impression isn’t the outcome of experience of working at one place only, I visited ADA University and observed the professional environment there too, plus I was here for a conference last year and the way it was organized was exemplary in every sense. Moreover, as I keep searching for different events happening around the city, I find out them too many that they offer opportunity for every person to select as per his/her field of interest.
Coming over to impressions as a common man, the very first thing I want to share being a female is that it is the safest place for girls to live in. No one bothers you; you as a person are free to move around the city without any fear at any time. This is because the society here treats you not as an opposite gender but as an equal human being. Anyone can go sit in the park, study, observe nature, analyze the architecture, modern technological developments, think about the well-managed, clean and peaceful surroundings, go to the restaurants have fun, or go to the sea for cruising, dining etc. In sum, you will get an activity matching with your individual interests and you are free to opt.

If I talk about lifestyle, you are free to follow it on your choice; the state doesn’t interfere in personal matters, and mostly people are European in their outlook.

I still feel funny as on first day when I wore Abaya (“cloak", sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world including in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula) and went out I had a fear of being arrested by police as I had the information in my mind that in some countries people have displeasure for that appearance and its forbidden; so I was just wondering if it’s allowed in Baku too or not. But on my way, I came across many girls and women wearing it and I had a sigh of relief. What pleased me is their kindness as they say you Salams when you pass nearby them. In sum, people respect you for how good or bad human being you are, except that they have no concern with you. For instance, I am a Muslim girl, who by her own choice is following Islam, covers herself, don’t shake hands with males, offers prayers and do whatever I do to fulfill my commitment towards my belief, and for that I haven’t experienced different face or behavioral expressions. I really feel respect for the Azeri society for their kind dealing of human beings.
Moreover, as a common man, I observe equal treatment of state for every citizen in terms of providence of basic household facilities, education, job, laws and justice. Azerbaijani’s live disciplined life and they follow rules out of their perception that it’s good for them irrespective of the fact that police is strict with those who will try to break the rules.

Before coming to Azerbaijan, I also came across and read reports published by different international organizations criticizing and ranking Azerbaijan low on human rights on the basis that the country isn’t practicing democratic norms. But after being here, seeing the satisfaction with which people are living their life, specifically after coming across the attendance of the huge numbers of Azeri’s participated (though they had many other options to go and visit other places) for celebrations of Hyder Aliyev’s 91st Birthday on 11th May; some serious questions are finding answers in my mind. In terms of human rights too, the facts on ground are that Azerbaijan has effectively achieved the target of reducing poverty from 46% to 4% and has in a commendable way accommodated the forced migrants of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Being a student of International relations, political system and its performance matters for me more than the terms with which we are prone to call them. To the critics, I would say there exists problems everywhere, we should extend our help to areas where help indeed is needed and let the Azerbaijanis live, instead of overstraining ourselves with white man’s burden concept.

Lastly, about the impressions of Baku as Explorer or Traveler, this city holds treasures for every one whether you are interested in historical adventures, museums, sculptural art, latest technological developments, natural parks and beauty, magnificent Caspian, theatrical performances, cuisine of different continents, shopping, fun, travelling, exploring etc. I would like to share few tips for travelers, if you planning to come here just learn some basic Azeri words and sentences as majority speaks and understands Azeri language, everything has its name in Azeri e.g. streets, food items, places etc.

For good variety of cuisine, visit City Centre (Nizami Street, Fountain Square and around) and you will find multiple restaurants. If you want to see and explore the city, Metro Trains and buses run all the day from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, just have with you the travel route of Metro Train and when you go to station, show it to anyone and ask when this stop will come and people are kind enough to guide and help you. For buses, before moving out check which bus goes to an area where you want to go to, then move to bus stop near you and usually you will not have to wait for more than 5 minutes.

For shopping lovers, Baku is bit expensive like other Capital cities around the world, but you will have no trouble finding a shop or a mall here. So, have a great shopping!

Summing it up, as I mentioned earlier, conveying impressions of Baku in one article is not enough to justify with the title, because on each place you visit, you can write one article. I will try to keep writing, but the brain of International Relations scholar inside me, demands me to write on and focus on politics related stuff. For whoever is going to visit Baku, I have a request that you should contribute an article sharing your impressions, as it will help the people who are visiting next.

Happy Republic Day to Azerbaijani’s again and may Baku (the city of lights) stay illuminated always.

Article Published by:

News.Az : http://www.news.az/articles/society/89012

Azer News : http://www.azernews.az/analysis/67563.html