THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 1 2 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT CONTENTS 05 08 10

May China-Kyrgyzstan Friendship Thrive Message on 19th Summit of Heads of States Pushing the Development of the Shanghai Like an Evergreen Tree Meeting in Bishkek Cooperation Organization (SCO) To New Heights 11 14 18

SCO as Chinese Version of Regional Alliance BRI and Integration Strategies of SCO Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Member States Strategic Prospect of Central Asia 21 23 26

China Led Dialogue Among Civilization China’s Asia - Pacific regional integration Understanding the Educational and Cultural and Its options Aspects of CPEC 29 32 36

SHANGHAI SPIRIT and INDO-PAK On Victory Day Malaysia – Yet another crisis looming? RIVALRY 39 43

PSCOFF Newsletter BRI-CPEC Newsletter

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 3 EDITOR IN CHIEF Muhammad Asif Noor mid rising on Oman where the US accused Iran EDITOR Aglobal and of the attack also attended the summit. Farhat Asif regional challenges Summit provided member states with an EXECUTIVE EDITOR and tensions, opportunity to reach a suitable consensus 19th Heads of on ongoing global complications. Bishkek M. Murtaza Noor State Summit Declaration was adopted at the end of ASSOCIATE EDITORS of Shanghai the Summit where members condemn Cooperation terrorism in all its forms, reached to a Mian Noor Ahmed Organization was consensus regarding the adoption of ADVISORY BOARD held in Bishkek, the Comprehensive Convention on Kyrgyzstan this International Terrorism and Convention Prof. Dr. Victoria L Fontan June. The Summit on Probation of development, Production Dr. Khayala Mammadova has also marked the second consecutive and stockpiling of Biological Weapons, Prof. Dr. John M. Nomikos year for both Pakistan and India supported work of Afghan people and Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar participating in this one of the largest government in promoting peace. In the and influential regional grouping as economic sphere, the Bishkek declaration Prof. Dr. Gulden Ayman permanent members. Apart from regular ought to expand and deepen cooperation Dr. Ali Abu Turab bilateral discussions on the forum, much in trade, finance, investment, agriculture, Dr. Muhammad Khan emphasis and focus of the attention was technology. Promotion of trade in local Dr. Lubna Abid Ali on the bilateral meetings especially that currencies and development of business of between Prime Minister of India and incubation centers in SCO countries to Dr. Muqarrab Akbar Pakistan. Along with Pakistan and India, support youth start-up projects within the Dr. Li the two South Asian nuclear rivals, this framework of SCO youth council. Russia magnificent Summit was attended by all assumed the next presidency of SCO. The SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT EDITORS the heads of states of permanent members, “Roadmap for Further Action of SCO Sara Flatto (USA) dialogue partners and observers including Contact Group” was signed by the leaders Ammar Younas (China) Russia, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, which argued for peace process conducted Ayshan Guliyeva (Azerbaijan) Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and led by Afghan people themselves Iran, Afghanistan, and Belarus. All credit and the UN playing an important role. Tatiana Karchenkova (Russia) goes to the government of Kyrgyzstan for Clearly, SCO is an important platform Shakti Prasad (India) hosting and organizing such an important for the member states for interaction Samaira Khan (Denmark) Summit in a remarkable manner. This and cooperation. It now depends upon Dr. Shamas Yasir (Afghanistan) year’s summit assumed significance the states including India and Pakistan for SCO members due to ongoing whether they will continue to linger on Tanja Miscevic (Serbia) developments in the international arena. with their conflicts or will overcome their Dr. Hamaneh Karimikia (Iran) Firstly, trade frictions of China and India differences and play a role in changing the with the US. China and the US have been world order. Another important initiative BUREAU CHIEF engaged in conflict over trade from a was SCO Youth Council wherein Pakistan Mohammad Hanif (Vehari) year with both countries applying tariffs has recently been added as the member. on each other’s products. This trade war Being a youthful country of having 70 DESIGN & LAYOUT further escalated in recent months when per cent young population, Pakistan may Shahzad Ahmed Washington tightened trade restrictions be an asset for the Council. It all depends on Chinese telecom giant Huawei. upon the fact that how effectively we MARKETING MANAGER Summit was expected to provide an will be utilizing this forum and move Asir Gill opportunity to China and India to reach our interests and objectives through a consensus on trade protectionism and linking the communities. Pakistan has LEGAL ADVISORS unilateralism during their meetings on put forward its best bet during this Muhammad Akram Mughal sidelines of the Summit. As India is also SCO Summit with its outreach and Advocate Supreme Court (AJK) facing trade frictions with the U.S. after the reflecting on the Eurasia as an important Ch. Abdul Khaliq Thind termination of India’s status of Beneficiary regional focus. Bilateral meetings of Developing Country under Generalized Pakistani premier and as a result of these Advocate Supreme Court of Pak System of Preferences (GSP). Secondly, discussions, there is a clear message that Pulwama attack in February 2019 proved Pakistan with all its challenges look for ADDRESS to be a major setback in historical Indo- the ways for the regional cooperation and H # 387, St # 64, I-8/3, Pakistan rivalry taking relations between always encouraged and ready to partner P.O Box # 1239 Islamabad both states at their lowest. This Summit to support the regional development Ph & Fax : +92 51 4900387 was an opportunity to newly reaffirmed initiatives. Here, of course, it is important [email protected] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to note the successful foreign policy and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan and a peace-loving policy of Pakistan. www.thediplomaticinsight.com to interact for the first time and deescalate As a result, the prestige of Pakistan is Price: Rs. 500 the tensions. Thirdly Iran an observer state growing with each passing day especially of SCO, engaged in a serious confrontation the relationship with the neighboring Disclaimer: The views of the writers do with the US after the withdrawal of countries is increasing and they are also US from 2015 nuclear deal with world ready to cooperate. Pakistan only needs not necessary imply endorsement by the powers and crippling sanctions on Iranian to put its house on order for getting the magazine. oil and attack on two tankers on Gulf maximum out of these partnerships. May China-Kyrgyzstan Friendship Thrive Like an Evergreen Tree H.E Mr. Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China

trewn with blooming flowers and lush grass, the of the international landscape. The solidarity and STianshan Mountains offer an enchanting view mutual assistance that we have demonstrated in times at this time of the year. I am pleased that in such a of difficulty have proven that we are good neighbors, lovely season, I will come to Kyrgyzstan at the kind good friends, good partners, and good brothers. As a invitation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov to make fine example of a new type of state-to-state relations my second state visit and attend the 19th Meeting of featuring mutual respect, equality and win-win the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai cooperation, the China-Kyrgyzstan relationship is Cooperation Organization (SCO). I first visited this defined by the following features: beautiful country six years ago. The discussions I had with Kyrgyz leaders on the friendship and -- Stronger mutual political trust. Shortly after the cooperation between our two countries and on the establishment of diplomatic ties, we found lasting future growth of the China-Kyrgyzstan relationship solutions to all boundary issues left from history, ushered this relationship into a new era of strategic turning the 1,000-km border line into a true bond partnership. Now six years on, it is heartening to see of friendship between our peoples. Having no that this relationship has been upgraded further to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and that our friendship and cooperation are brimming with vigor and vitality like the mountains and grasslands in the prime of summer.

The people of China and Kyrgyzstan are close neighbors sharing a long tradition of friendship. More than 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian, the imperial envoy of China’s Han Dynasty, traveled west and extended the ancient Silk Road to Central Asia via the ancient city of Suyab (near present-day Tokmok). That visit was reciprocated several hundred years later by Kyrgyz envoys trudging all the way to Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty. On their return trip, they brought back not only exquisite silk and porcelain but also a brotherly friendship. The great poet Li Bai, living some 1,300 years ago in the Tang Dynasty, is a household name in our two countries and his poems are widely quoted by the Chinese and Kyrgyz alike. In the course of over two millennia, interactions like these have forged an unbreakable bond of amity between our peoples.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China- Kyrgyzstan relations have withstood the vicissitudes

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 5 continues to increase its export to China, green and quality Kyrgyz agro-products like honey and fruits can be found more often in ordinary Chinese households. Similarly, many Kyrgyz people have taken to online shopping, as e-commerce platforms give them a shopping experience like never before.

-- Closer people-to-people exchanges. In 2018, more than 70,000 people traveled between our two countries and over 4,600 Kyrgyz students were studying in China. Four Confucius Institutes and 21 Confucius Classrooms are operating in Kyrgyzstan, and the Bishkek No. 95 Middle School built with Chinese assistance has become the most popular school in the local area. Commemorative events have been jointly outstanding issues in our bilateral ties, we firmly hosted by our two sides for the 90th anniversary of support each other on issues concerning each other’s the birth of the celebrated Kyrgyz writer Chingiz core interests. China strongly supports the Kyrgyz Aytmatov, receiving enthusiastic responses from people’s independent choice of a development various quarters. At the invitation of President path suited to their national realities, and all policy Jeenbekov, the China National Opera House will measures taken by the Kyrgyz government to present a Chinese opera Manas in Kyrgyzstan. I safeguard national independence, sovereignty believe this new rendition of our shared cultural and territorial integrity. Likewise, Kyrgyzstan has heritage will wow the audience and help renew the rendered China full support and cooperation on friendship between China and Kyrgyzstan in this issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and the fight new era. against terrorism, separatism and extremism. As a Kyrgyz saying goes, “Brotherhood is more -- Deepening results-oriented cooperation. Kyrgyzstan valuable than all the wealth in the world.” Likewise, is one of the earliest supporters and participants of the Chinese often say, “When brothers are of the Belt and Road cooperation, and major outcomes have same mind, they can cut metal through.” In a been achieved through our cooperation in economy world undergoing changes unseen in a century, and trade, energy, infrastructure development and it is important for China and Kyrgyzstan to join connectivity. China has become Kyrgyzstan’s top hands and meet challenges together to ensure the trading partner and source of investment, with sustained, steady and healthy growth of our bilateral bilateral trade exceeding 5.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, relations. That is a historical responsibility we share. a 150-fold increase from the early days of diplomatic On my forthcoming visit, I look forward to working engagement, and cumulative Chinese investment in with President Jeenbekov to draw up an ambitious Kyrgyzstan approaching 3 billion dollars. Thanks blueprint for China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive to the Datka-Kemin power transmission and strategic partnership and bring our bilateral ties and transformation project jointly undertaken by our two all-round cooperation to a new height. countries, uneven power distribution and patchy supply have become a thing of the past in Kyrgyzstan; China wants to enhance strategic trust with the Osh Hospital is providing the local community Kyrgyzstan. We will increase high-level exchanges with the best medical services in Central Asia; and and step up interactions and cooperation at various the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway, defying levels between our governments, legislatures, political the many high mountains on its route, has become parties and local authorities. We will continue to give a transnational transport artery. As Kyrgyzstan each other firm support on sovereignty, security,

6 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT territorial integrity and other issues concerning each globalization, and promote a new type of international other’s core interests. We will work together amid relations and a community with a shared future for a fast-changing global landscape to advance our mankind. common strategic security and development interests and achieve prosperity of our two nations. Over the past 18 years since the inception of the SCO, members have followed the Shanghai Spirit of China wants to deepen Belt and Road cooperation mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, with Kyrgyzstan. Specifically, we will push for respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of greater complementarity between our development common development, and observed the purposes strategies, work on the follow-ups to the Second and principles enshrined in the SCO Charter and Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, deepen cooperation in such areas as agriculture, Friendship and Cooperation Between the Member infrastructure development and connectivity, States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. and promote trade and investment facilitation. As a result, the SCO has served as a good example China welcomes the active participation of Kyrgyz of a new type of international relations featuring companies in the China International Import Expo mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win and stands ready to buy more quality agricultural cooperation, and played an irreplaceable role in produce from Kyrgyzstan. In addition, China will promoting stability and prosperity in our region. continue to do what it can to help and support Kyrgyzstan in its effort to grow its economy and The SCO has prioritized cooperation in security, better the lives of its people. economy, people-to-people exchanges, and outreach to non-SCO members. It has taken tough measures to China wants to strengthen security cooperation with crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism. Kyrgyzstan. We will follow the vision for common, With a focus on deepening the synergy between comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security Belt and Road cooperation, development strategies in our joint fight against terrorism, separatism of individual countries, and regional cooperation and extremism and against drug-trafficking and initiatives, the SCO has kept scaling up cooperation transnational organized crime to protect the life and in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, innovation property of our people and foster a regional security and people-to-people exchanges. It has also been environment defined by harmony and stability. expanding partnerships with observer states, dialogue partners, and international organizations China wants to expand people-to-people exchanges like the United Nations. All these efforts have with Kyrgyzstan. Affinity between friends and contributed to our vision of a closer SCO community neighbors grows as exchange of visits increases. with a shared future. Our two sides need to elevate our cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, health, Since assuming the SCO presidency, Kyrgyzstan has youth, media and joint archaeological exploration in made a great deal of productive efforts for the further a bid to bring our two peoples closer to each other. development of this organization. I am convinced that, with the collective efforts of all sides, the China wants to step up international cooperation Bishkek Summit will produce fruitful results, bring with Kyrgyzstan. We will strengthen communication about greater development of the SCO, and deliver and coordination at the United Nations, the Shanghai even more benefits to the people across the region. Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures I believe that as long as we stay committed to our in Asia (CICA) and other multilateral frameworks, longstanding amity and cooperation, the friendship uphold basic norms governing international relations between China and Kyrgyzstan will endure and based on the purposes and principles of the UN thrive like the mighty, evergreen spruce trees on the Charter, support multilateralism, advance economic majestic Tianshan Mountains.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 7 Message on 19th Summit of Heads of States Meeting in Bishkek H.E. Erik Beishembiev Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

yrgyzstan has assumed Presidency in the SCO Just recently in May 2019, SCO meetings of the Kafter summit in Qingdao, China in June last Council of Foreign Ministers, of the Secretaries of year and currently is approaching Organization’s national security, SCO Business Council, Women and concluding Heads of State Summit on 13-14 June 2019 Mass Media forums, marathon running competition in its capital Bishkek. on the famous Issyk Kul lake, successfully passed in Kyrgyzstan. During my country’s SCO presidency a number of important events had been organized, including On 17 May 2019, Bishkek hosted the Expanding Heads of Government Summit, meetings of the Cooperation Boundaries SCO Business Forum with Ministers of Defense, Culture, Education, Agriculture, participation of more than three hundred government Justice, Prosecutors General, Heads of anti-drug and corporate leaders, heads of investment promotion agencies, third meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan agencies and business community representatives Contact Group, SCO Youth Assembly, SCO Peace from the member states, observer states and Mission Exercise on combating terrorism, high-level dialogue partners as well as prominent economy and joint UN and SCO meeting on countering traditional investment experts. threats and new challenges undermining peace, security and stability. The SCO Business Forum resulted in a number of contracts and agreements signed between various companies worth over $2 billion.

One of the most important events within the framework of the Kyrgyz Republic’s chair in the organization - a meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers was held on 22 May 2019. The Council focused on the implementation of the results of the SCO Heads of State Qingdao and the SCO Council of Heads of Government Dushanbe meetings held in 2018.

Priorities for the further development of the Organization had been considered as a part of the preparation for the SCO Summit to be held on June 13-14 in Bishkek. Thus, the draft Bishkek Declaration and the draft information message on the results of the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State were adopted as a basis, the report on the work of the SCO Secretariat over the past year was approved, the draft report on the organization’s activities was approved and information on the results of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) activities was heard.

8 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT The draft concluding documents and decisions to be My country, being one of the founding members adopted by the heads of SCO member states upcoming of the SCO and good friend and partner of June 2019 SCO summit in Bishkek aim to strengthen Pakistan, welcomed and supported your country’s intra-SCO cooperation in the field of inter-regional membership in the Organization. After Pakistan’s cooperation, the fight against illicit drug trafficking, accession to SCO currently new prospects are digitalization and information-communication opening for close regional cooperation with Pakistan technologies, environmental protection, sports and in the fields of security, trade and economy, business, healthcare, as well as cooperation between media energy, technology, environment protection, culture, outlets. education, tourism and people to people contacts.

The signing of a roadmap for cooperation between Nowadays Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the SCO Secretariat and state observers and dialogue development of economic cooperation with Pakistan. partners in the medium term was an important outcome of the work. The sides exchanged views on Pakistan can play a major role in SCO taking account current regional and international problems in the its key geostrategic position and connectivity course of the meeting. The parties’ positions on these opportunities in the framework of CPEC. issues have been agreed upon and are reflected in Today Kyrgyzstan is interested in development the information report on the results of the meeting of short transportation links through its territory adopted. The regular meeting of the SCO Afghanistan between Central Asia and China and Pakistan with group resulted in the approval of the draft road map, access to the Gwadar and Karachi ports using railway which be submitted for adoption by the Heads of and automobile roads, which are being constructed States for the first time. in the framework of CPEC. Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah I would suggest my Pakistani friends to more Mahmood Qureshi participated in the SCO Council actively use the potential of the Quadrilateral Transit of Foreign Minister Meeting, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Transport Agreement between four member-states of Republic. SCO - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Pakistan, Prior to the Meeting, the Pakistani Foreign Minister which provides for businessmen a shortest road along with the Foreign Ministers of other SCO link through Kyrgyzstan to Central Asian states and member states paid a joint call on the President of further to Russia and Europe. Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov. As you know, Kyrgyzstan is a member of the On the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with a market of Minister Meeting, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah 180 mln. people and the World Trade Organization Mahmood Qureshi held bilateral meetings with the (WTO) and enjoys favorable trade conditions with Foreign Ministers of China, Russia, Kyrgyz Republic, many countries of the world. Both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and informal dialogue with his Indian Pakistan are participating in European Union GSP+ counterpart Sushma Swaraj. The Secretary General of system off preferential trade, which allows export SCO also called on the Foreign Minister. of 6000 items, including agricultural and textile products to EU without tariffs. We can jointly use Kyrgyzstan is looking forward for welcoming Prime these advantages to increase our exports to Russia Minister of Pakistan His Excellency Imran Khan to and further to Europe. SCO summit in Bishkek in June this year as well as Presidents of China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, In conclusion, allow me to extend my sincere wishes Tajikistan, Prime Minister of India and representatives of Pеасе and Prosperity to all of you. Have a blessed of the SCO observer and partner states. Ramadan!

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 9 Pushing the Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) To New Heights H.E. Yao Jing Ambassador of China to Pakistan

n June last year China successfully held the Second, we should have new actions in practical IShanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) cooperation. We should deepen the integration of Qingdao Summit, during which President Xi Jinping the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative and put forward a new vision on development, safety, development strategies and regional cooperative cooperation, civilization and global governance and initiatives of all countries to inject strong impetus summarized the basic connotation of a new type of into practical cooperation; we should accelerate international relations, charting the course for the promoting trade facilitation, and launch the feasibility SCO’s development. The Summit also reached new study of the free trade zone as early as possible to consensus on cooperation in such fields as politics, fully release the cooperation potential, elevate security, economy, people-to-people and cultural regional connectivity and boost regional integrated engagement and exhibited the SCO’s cooperative development; and we should continue expanding and enterprising spirit. Qingdao Summit was held scientific, technological, local as well as people-to- under the background that the SCO has realized people and cultural cooperation to propel the SCO membership expansion for the first time and entered cooperation to grow in breadth and depth. a critical development period, which set the SCO on a new journey of continuous and forward-looking Third, we should shoulder new responsibilities in development. The Chinese side stands ready to work international and regional affairs. The current world with Kyrgyz, rotating presidency of SCO in 2019, and is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century other member countries including Pakistan to fully and faced with unprecedented risks and challenges. implement the outcomes of the Qingdao Summit and The international community looks forward that the push the SCO’s cooperation in various fields to new SCO will play a greater constructive role to inject heights. more positive energy into the current international situation. The SCO should make its voice heard on We have three main expectations on SCO in 2019: major international and regional issues in a timely manner, especially in upholding multilateralism, First, we should have new measures for security safeguarding international fairness and justice and cooperation. At present, as the regional security striving to build a new type of international relations situation remains complex and grave, member and a community of a shared future for mankind. countries need to make joint efforts; we should push forward the SCO Convention on Combating As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, China Extremism to take effect as early as possible and step up and Pakistan have maintained in-depth cooperation efforts against terrorism, separatism and extremism; in various international organizations including the we should improve the functions of regional anti- SCO. Pakistan has made important contribution terrorism organizations, and deepen cooperation to the success of Qingdao Summit last year. China in fighting against drug trafficking, maintaining is pleased to strengthen the communication and security of internet information and other fields; we cooperation with Pakistan under the framework of should strengthen intelligence exchanges, personnel SCO for its new development and success. training and well conduct various counter-terrorism exercises to improve the ability in joint action in law We believe that under the careful preparation of the enforcement cooperation; and we should further give rotating presidency of Kyrgyzstan and joint efforts of play to the role of SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group all sides, the Bishkek Summit will achieve a complete to actively take part in the political reconciliation success and break the new ground for the SCO’s process of Afghanistan. development.

10 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT SCO as Chinese Version of Regional Alliance Zhou Dong Chen, Wang Li

ince 2001 when the Shanghai Cooperation could be better secured through a coordinated SOrganization (SCO) was founded by six states collective security among themselves considering (China, Russia, Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan non-conventional threats, such as terrorism and the and Kyrgyzstan), it has come of age in terms of the regional chaos caused by the United States military new type of the security cooperation in Eurasia. At presence in the region since the Persian Gulf war over the moment, the SCO is the largest regional security the past decade. organization in the world, accounting for nearly half of the global population and over 1/5 of global Given this, the SCO declares its desire for common GDP. In addition, it has developed into a vigorous development and pursues its external policy in platform with upholding the Shanghai Spirit based accordance with the principles of non-alignment, on inclusiveness and common development. It is non-targeting any third country. It has also aimed noted that the SCO has asserted itself as a unique, to achieve the increasingly vital role in the regional influential and growing regional organization whose security and prosperity. As a matter of fact, Stephen potential has since expanded remarkably following Walt defined that “an alliance is formal or informal the accession of India and Pakistan in 2017. arrangement for security cooperation between two or more sovereign states.” Due to this, a larger regional In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the or even global organization of economic and political Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO affairs is necessary and even more efficient than any Member States in Qingdao, where he called on all individual state. In light of this reason, the origins of the member states firmly committed to the goals the SCO started from its intention to strengthen the and principles of the SCO Charter and, guided by practical interaction in the political, security; and has the Shanghai Spirit, to continue addressing the tasks then expanded into all areas of trade, investment, outlined in the SCO Development Strategy until transport, energy, agriculture, as well as cultural and 2025. Russian President Putin has also advocated humanitarian ties. To that end, A Plan of Action for the settlement of crises in Afghanistan, Syria, the 2018-22 was even drawn with a view to implementing Iranian nuclear issue and the Korean Peninsula, as the Treaty on Long-Term Neighborliness, Friendship well as other regional conflicts within the framework and Cooperation among all the members. of generally accepted norms and principles of international law. Due to this, it is proper to take For sure, like the traditional alliances, the the SCO as a new-typed regional alliance, which is circumstances in which the SCO was founded has different from the traditional ones. affected the decisions to deter or defeat the looming threats. Yet, it is unlike the traditional ones, the SCO In foreign affairs, the forces that bring states together has reiterated its actions following the tenets of and drive them apart will affect the security of non-alignment, non-targeting any third country. As individual states by determining both how large argued in an SCO joint statement issued at the close a threat they face and how much benefits they can of the meeting in 2018, they called for the work of expect. Similarly, the factors that determine how consolidating the multilateral trade system and fight states choose alliance or strategic partners will shape against unilateralism and trade protectionism in any the evolution of the international system as a whole. form. It was another determined and unanimous The SCO is no exception. Yet, the SCO is designed pledge from the SCO member states to protect not to follow the model like the NATO although the multilateralism and free trade. Particularly countries interest of each member state and the regional stability of Central Asia, which are landlocked, also favorably

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 11 the purpose of helping to deal with such issues. Although cooperation between states is likely to be fragile, particularly where enforcement procedures are weak, in an environment of growing regional and global integration, states can often discover with or without the encouragement of a coincidence of strategic and economic interests which can be turned into a formalized agreement determining the rules of conduct.

According to what Randall Schweller has argued, the role of international institutions—whether global or serve the transport route linking China to Europe regional—matter, this is why states invest in them, and the Middle East. This, in turn, allowed Central and how they influence decision makers’ choices in Asian states to organize the supply of their goods to world politics. Furthermore, John Mearsheime held the external market, to find new trading partners and that international organizations stipulate the ways growth points, and to adopt new technologies from in which states should cooperate and compete with other advanced parties including China. one another. By doing so, they can increase and aid support among member states under which they Economically and financially, China is the lead state can cooperate to achieve its objectives. The SCO as of the SCO and has presented its key proposal of the a Eurasian organization belongs to this sort. Yet, it Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is regarded has clearly dedicated to the sensitive or controversial as the basic path to realize common wealth. Yet, issues such as terrorism, separatism and extremism essentially the SCO has no supranational formats of which are essentially common to all the member the mechanisms for overcoming potential issues and states including China and Russia. risks in economic, ecological and educational spheres, despite that it has opened up broad opportunities for How about relations between China and Russia, the practical application of new methods and forms which are the buttress of the SCO? For sure, of economic cooperation. For the sake of this, the realist scholars have deep doubt on the long-term SCO not only continues to sublimate the Shanghai cooperation between the two land powers which Spirit, but also fits well into the BRI framework would compete with each other in the whole region which aims to facilitate the common development involving the SCO. In addition, China and Russia process of the region en bloc, for example, improving are also viewed as opponents or saboteurs of the the cross-border transport infrastructure, reducing current world order. However, a sound evidence trade barriers and increasing trade, and attracting is that China and Russia insist on a substantial investment. reduction of the United States posing the perceived or potential threats to their core interests, but the two Yet, taking the various theories on alliances, it is powers are equally cautious to prevent the SCO from not difficult to discover the arguments of the SCO, being a new version of the Warsaw Pact designed to both its progress and its potential challenges. For counterbalance NATO headed by the United States. example, neoliberal scholars assumed that the SCO In principle, the SCO aims to provide an unstable as a regional security organization was formed world with a new model that could promote states immediately after the collapse the Soviet Union to curb racial, cultural, and other conflicts and to and at a time when common border and territorial promote peace, stability and prosperity, as defined in issues started emerging between the ex-Soviet the SCO charter. More concretely, China has accepted countries on one hand and China on the other with the current U.S. military hegemony of East Asia and

12 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT the rules and regulations for world trade drafted globally, and China’s entente with Russia is the by Washington and its allies. Similarly, Russia has key. To that end, all the SCO member states would acquired in the enlargement of the European Union further cooperate, jointly promote the Belt and Road and somehow even permanent U.S./ NATO presence Initiative and steadily enhance planning and strategic on its borders. It seems both Beijing and Moscow coordination. As President Xi insisted that “we have been aware of this reality by their heart. should start from what we are able to do and what is agreed on.” At the same time, it is self-evident that Washington’s aggressiveness has forced Beijing and Moscow to be In a word, the SCO will continue moving on in light destined to work closely in order to preserve their of the spirit of building an innovative, invigorated, overall strategic ties to a higher level and to provide interconnected and inclusive world order. the driving force for respective national prosperity, regional stability and global peace and justice. In a The writer Zhou Dongchen, PhD, lecturer of modern long run, the U.S. might be prone to hold, as Stephen world history, Qufu Normal University; and Prof. Wang Walt argued, that it is China, not Russia, will be Li, PhD, professor of international relations, SIPA, Jilin the real competitor globally to the United States, if University. bipolarity has to return. Despite this, the SCO will continue to play the vital role regionally rather than

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 13 BRI and Integration Strategies of SCO Member States

Tang Jun

I. Introduction of SCO and BRI The 2018 SCO Qingdao Summit communiqué reaffirmed that heads of the delegation of Kazakhstan, th ounded in Shanghai on June 15 , 2001, The Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan FShanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is and other countries would support BRI. The efforts are an intergovernmental organization that aims to taken towards its joint implementation, including the strengthen mutual trust and relations among member efforts to interlink project of the Eurasian Economic states. It also promotes cooperation in political Union and the BRI and advocate the use of the affairs, economics and trade, scientific-technical, potential of the countries of the region, international cultural, and educational spheres. It also covers organizations and multilateral associations to energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental create a broad, open, mutually beneficial and equal protection, to promote regional security and stability partnership in the SCO space. and to create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order. After the expansion of II. Integration Strategies of SCO Member the member states currently, SCO has eight member States states, four observer states and six dialogue partners. With the in-depth cooperation and development SCO has become the regional organization with the of BRI, the member states of SCO have reached a largest population, the largest geographical area, and consensus on BRI, and most member states have a great potential for economic cooperation. developed the national strategies to welcome and Since the early stages of the Belt and Road Initiative participate BRI. Considerable progress has been (BRI) put forward by China, BRI has been closely made during the first harvesting projects. connected to SOC. Most member states, observer 1. Russia, EEU and BRI states and dialogue partners of SCO are countries located along BRI and have been supporters and On May 8th, 2015, a joint declaration---Joint participants of BRI. Both SCO and BRI play an Statement on Cooperation on the Construction of Joint essential role in regional development. After years of Eurasian Economic Union and the Silk Road Projects --- development, the two have stepped into a new stage was signed between China and Russia in Moscow and by being complimentary to each other, the two on the integrating the development projects of the can give full play to their advantages to benefit all the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and China’s Silk people along with the BRI and SOC countries. Road Economic Belt. It is believed that the Eurasian integration project and the Silk Road Economic Belt The 2016 SCO Summit issued a communiqué project will complement each, ultimately creating a reaffirming: “the SCO member states’ initiative common economic space across the entire Eurasian to establish favorable conditions for developing continent. After five rounds of negotiations, three regional economic cooperation, including China’s working group meetings and two ministerial Silk Road Economic Belt project (as part of the BRI), consultations, on May 17th, 2018, China and EEU which will contribute to forming new models for signed an economic and trade cooperation agreement, international cooperation, strengthen partnership ties which came into force on December 11th, 2018. between countries, increase investment, and create new employment opportunities.

14 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT The main contents of the agreement cover a wide President Putin on the 4th Eastern Economic Forum. range of fields such as customs cooperation, trade The two sides are working actively on some large facilitation, intellectual property rights, e-commerce strategic projects. The Sino-Russian crude oil pipeline cooperation and government procurement. The project has been completed, and fuel supply has agreement made a significant breakthrough between been started. The east natural gas pipeline is under China and the EEU in terms of economic and trade construction. The first shipment of Yamal liquefied relations, symbolizing a new era in which economic natural gas has arrived in China through the “North and trade cooperation will change from project- Sea Route”. Cooperation on joint development of driven to system-led. It is conducive to further the long-distance wide-body aircraft and heavy-lift reducing non-tariff trade barriers between China helicopter. The signing of the agreements on “Sino- and the member countries of EEU, improving trade Russian Economic Cooperation in the Russian Far facilitation, and providing safeguards for bilateral East, 2018-2024” and “Agricultural Development economic and trade cooperation. Planning in Northeast China and Russia’s Far East With the integration of BRI and EEU, great progress and Baikal Regions” clarified the future direction has been made on the economic cooperation between for two sides. The construction work on Tongjiang China and Russia while China remains the largest Railway Bridge and Heihe Highway Bridge will play trading partner of Russia. In 2018, the bilateral trade a supportive transporting role, and China-Russia volume between China and Russia reached US Regional Cooperation Development Investment $107.06 billion, an increase of 27.1% compared with Fund will provide financial support to the related the previous year. In 2018, Sino-Russian trade in projects. electromechanical and high-tech products increased by 15% and 29% respectively, and agricultural trade 2. Kazakhstan’s “Bright Road” and BRI increased by 31%. The two sides cooperated actively In September 2016, China and Kazakhstan signed on some new fields such as e-commerce and service the agreement on “Development Cooperation Plan for trade, which can be proved by the speech given by the Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 15 Bright Road”. China currently is the second largest leather products and shoes in the China-Uzbekistan trading partner to Kazakhstan’s, and in 2018, the Industrial Park, which has established more than 10 trade volume between China and Kazakhstan was US companies and created more than 1,300 local jobs . $19.985 billion, an increase of 10.1% over the previous year. China is also the fourth largest source of foreign 4. Kyrgyzstan’s and BRI investment to Kazakhstan. By the end of June 2018, The government of Kyrgyzstan integrated BRI China’s total investment to Kazakhstan has exceeded by issuing “The Government’s National Strategy for US $29.01 billion. The two sides work actively on Sustainable Development (2013−2017)” in 2012. In production capacity with a list of 51 key cooperation this context, China-Kyrgyzstan economic and trade projects, and the value reached US $2 billion. Three cooperation flourished. The two way trades between projects have been completed and put into operation. the two sides grow at in increasing speed every year. Another 17 capacity cooperation projects have been Currently, China is Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading launched, providing 20,000 new jobs for Kazakhstan. partner and the largest source of investment. In In 2018, China’s transit European transit trains in 2018, the bilateral trade volume between China and Kazakhstan reached 2,792, an increase of 31.72% over Kyrgyzstan was US $5.611 billion, an increase of more the same period of last year, and the cargo volume was than 150 times compared with US $35.48 million in 123.16 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 48.78%. 1992, the first year of the establishment of diplomatic In 2018, the number of visitors to China-Kazakhstan relations between the two. China’s direct investment Horgos International Frontier Cooperation Center to Kyrgyzstan has reached US $3.86 billion. The road reached 12.22 million, an increase of 8% over the construction projects on Bishkek-Balykchy, China- previous year. Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan International Road have 3. Uzbekistan and BRI greatly reduced transportation costs and prompted regional connectivity. In December 2017, Kyrgyzstan In June 2015, Uzbekistan and China signed the announced the “National Sustainable Development agreement on “Protocol on Expanding Mutual Benefit Strategy for 2018-2040”, in which the country planned and Economic Cooperation under the Framework of to implement 89 projects focusing on transportation the Implementation of the ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ infrastructure in the first phase (2018-2023). The Initiative”. In 2017, Uzbekistan issued the “Strategy country’s strategy works perfectly compatible of Actions on Five Priority Directions of Development with BRI, brining new impetus to international of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-202”, whose cooperation. main aim and direction are closely compatible with BRI. As the largest trading partner, China had a 5. Tajikistan and BRI trading volume of US $6.267 billion with Uzbekistan On 24 May 2017, the SCO headquarters in Beijing in 2018, an increase of 48.5% over 2017. China is hosted a roundtable presentation of Tajikistan’s Uzbekistan’s largest source of foreign investment, National Development Strategy for the Period up to 2030. So the largest cotton export country, and the largest far, the strategy has integrated with BRI successfully, supplier of telecommunications equipment and and many transportation infrastructure projects soil improvement equipment. The two countries have been under going on well or completed, such cooperated on many strategic projects.These projects as Ayni-Panjakent Freeway, Vahdat -Yovon tunnel, demonstrated positive social and economic effects Tajikistan-Uzbekistan Road, China-Tajikistan Road, to Uzbekistan, such as jointly established plants for Khatlon tunnel and 500 KV transmission project. The the production of tire, PVc and soda, cooperation projects have not only improved the condition of in cotton processing, ceramic tiles, smart phones,

16 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Tajikistan’s outdated transportation infrastructure Project category, and it is in the implementation phase but also promoted the interlink between China and after signing of commercial and financial agreements. Central Asia. Other projects like Khuzdar-Basima Road N-30 (110 km), Upgradation of D.I.Khan (Yarik) - Zhob, N-50 In 2018, the two-way trade between China and Phase-I (210 km), KKH Thakot-Raikot N35 remaining Tajikistan was US $1.54 billion, an increase of 3.5% portion (136 Km) and Expansion and reconstruction over the year 2017. As the second largest trading of existing Line ML-1 are in the well-controlled partner and largest source of investment, China has implementation phase as well. Twelve projects on invested over 2 US $ to Tajikistan, accounting for 30% Gwadar East-Bay Expressway, international airport, of Tajikistan’s foreign investment. More than 400 breakwaters, free zone, water supply and distribution, Chinese-funded enterprises registered in Tajikistan, hospital, school, industries are under implementation providing a large number of jobs to the local people phase. In 2018, the first Gwadar Expo in Gwadar Free as well as the tax revenue to the government, Zone was successfully hosted, representing Gwadar 6. Pakistan’s CPEC and BRI has become a shipping and business hub. CPEC greatly improved the lives of people of two countries China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the flagship by building an economic corridor promoting bilateral project of BRI, connects China’s Xinjiang and Gwadar connectivity, construction, explore potential bilateral Port in Pakistan. It is a sample of regional connectivity investment, economic and trade, logistics and people that has a positive impact on Iran, Afghanistan, India, to people contact for regional connectivity. the Central Asian Republic, and the region. The enhancement of geographical linkages has improved. III. Conclusion It gives great importance on the road, rail and air With the development of globalization, more and transportation system . Frequent and free exchanges more Asian countries are eager to deepen cooperative of growth and people to people contact enhances ties with international partners to promote regional the understanding through academic. Moreover, connectivity. Most member states of SCO have cultural and regional knowledge activities result in developed their national strategies to integrate with the a higher volume of flow of trade and businesses, BRI. However, some integration projects are not well producing and moving energy to result in more implemented due to the poor efficiency, out-dated optimal businesses.Furthermore, it enhances the co- views, interest distribution and regional security, operation by using the win-win model that results which, play an adverse role in regional economy in a well connected, well integrated region of shared development. State members should give prior to purpose, agreement and development. the key cooperation sectors according to different In Energy Cooperation sector, there are 15 CPEC- practical needs and situation. There is no doubt that a Energy Priority Projects, 4 CPEC-Energy Actively good integration of transport&infrastructure, energy, Promoted Projects, and 2 CPEC-Potential Energy economy, agriculture, industry, tourism and people- Projects. Many projects have been completed and people exchange among countries as well as SCO have brought up to 3,140 megawatts of power and BRI is the hope of better region of the future with generation capacity to Pakistan and greatly eased peace, development and growth of the economy. power shortage. In the infrastructure sector, The writer is Director of Pakistan Research Center, Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (Multan-Sukkur Honder College of IMNU, China Section) has been completed and put into use. KKH Phase II (Thakot -Havelian Section) is in early harvest

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 17 Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Strategic Prospect of Central Asia Muhammad Akram Zaheer

hanghai Cooperation Organization is a leading acting as an elder in Eurasian politics and security. By Sorganization for political, economic and security contrast the United States was being disengaged from concerns. Security problems of the Cold-war era the region under the Obama administration but under necessitate new thinking of cooperation and security the administration of Trump, there are signs that US at state level. In 1990, China decided to undertake a forces may stay in Afghanistan. The geographic reach more active role in developing a new forum to address of the organization expanded to India and Pakistan security problems especially on its periphery. The significantly. The security problems and the conflicts converging policies of China and Russia found the especially the issue of Kashmir became the extensive forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China agenda of the organization. China was worried about and Russia are two major members of the organization. the dilution of her role in SCO after inclusion of India As the primary leader of the organization, China while Russia understands that the inclusion of India offers economic cooperation to Central Asian States as a full member of the organization would be a check whereas Russia offers political-military cooperation. on Chinese influence within the group, unlike India- The SCO brought together China, Russia and Central Russian relations which have been cool since the last Asian States with six dialogue partners and four decade. India understands that Chinese economic observers. The membership was extended further diplomacy in South Asia particularly CPEC may be outwards with India and Pakistan as full members a plan against Delhi to contain her regional strategic of the organization. Turkmenistan is the only Central interests. India is the only country in SCO which does Asian state which is not a member of SCO and sends not indorse Chinese project BRI (Belt Road Initiative). her representative as a guest due to endless neutrality. In this context India has launched the project of Chahbhar development (Iranian Seaport) to counter Shanghai Cooperation Organization Chinese influence in Indian Ocean. India and Pakistan have issues of current border situation and the issue Dialogue Guests Members Observers Partners Attendance of Kashmir. That’s why during the Astana summit China Armenia Afghanistan ASEAN the prime ministers of India and Pakistan could India Azerbaijan Belarus CIS not go beyond the customary greetings. However, Kazakhstan Cambodia Iran Turkmenistan there are differences of interests among SCO Kyrgyzstan Nepal Magnolia UN countries but they are facing some common threats Pakistan Sri Lanka regarding terrorism, extremism, separation and Russia Turkey drug trafficking. Some typical threats originate from Tajikistan the vicinity Afghanistan. Kazakhstan is facing these Uzbekistan threats and has balanced her foreign and security policy towards major powers of the region along with The initial mandate of the organization was to Beijing and Moscow. It can do business with Russian promote regional security and protect member states Federation through CSTO and with China through from the non-state security threats. The SCO’s policy SCO. Within the framework of SCO mechanism, makers always argue that the organization is not the cooperation is boosting in law enforcement and an alliance and not a balancing tool against West or security area, oil and gas pipeline security, counter any other state. In the region, China is a key player terrorism and counter drug trafficking. Kazakhstan of Central Asian States economy especially after the has played active role in several issues within the development of One Belt One road and Russia is still

18 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT SCO. Foreign minister of Kazakhstan has called on Russia wanted cooperation Between SCO and CSTO NATO to establish dialogue with SCO in February in 2003 but Uzbekistan threatened to leave the SCO 2013. It was a message that SCO was not an anti due to its aversion of CSTO. Uzbekistan had left NATO bloc. During the SCO Dushanbe summit in the CSTO in 1999. Uzbekistan does not participate 2014, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan in SCO military exercise suggested in Tashkent stress SCO member states to solve existing border to concede security of Shanghai Cooperation issues and ensure food supply security. In addition, Organization members. Uzbek president again they noted the issue of water shortage that might demonstrated ambivalent and independent nature affect the stability of the region. In December 16, of Uzbekistan in regional and international politics 2017, Bishkek-Moscow signed prominent documents because his country needs a safe transit route for for cooperation. This document is a vital document foreign trade. The SCO forum is a vital source to for Kyrgyzstan’s survival because it is a weak state pursue this objective and does not like to be a part without energy resources. For the same reason of any military alliance and organization such as Kyrgyzstan signed SCO, as well as military alliance CSTO. It wants to be neutral. Although Uzbekistan CSTO led by Russia. The concept of Kyrgyz foreign and Russia have difficult relationship but both are policy is considered cooperation with neighbors and larger foreign trade partner. Karimove has broken SCO. Kyrgyzstan joined the Shanghai Cooperation previously Uzbek policy regarding to resolution of Organization after the security assurance of primary Ukraine crisis and has been criticizing Moscow, but member of the forum. now stating that Russian interest should be taken in to account. However, Uzbekistan fears that the SCO

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 19 might develop into wrong direction and suggested a single dominated organization and they would that the SCO should remain outside any bloc and play significant role within the forum. Furthermore, military-political alliance. SCO partners feel danger by China-Russia tandem overruled which does not seem pending. Both China Shanghai Cooperation Organization has developed and Russia have their own independent interests. In as a border arm control organization via regional fact, the organization is dominated by the two great counter-terrorism body. Cooperation among the powers of the region. They also have justifying effect members and observers is a great level but lacks on the activities towards Central Asian States. Both common targets. The wide range agenda of the SCO the countries can challenge each other if one takes and diverse membership weak its capabilities and action of instability in the region. Such environment is potential. The member states and observers of the beneficial for the member states of the Central Asia and organization have their own agenda and national as well as south Asia. Hence, Shanghai Cooperation interests. For instance, Russia is keen to reestablish Organization is an advantageous organization its previous status in Central Asia as well as super towards its members and observers states. There are power at international level. While, China is seeking opportunities of business and economic activities for markets in Central Asia for expanding its economy the member states with one another. Central Asian and energy resources to keep her industries going. states pursue their own national interests within the Some regional states consider the organization as a Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China-Russia guarantee for survival especially the protection of are the leading powers that contest each other and China and Russia. The mixture of divergent objectives therefore are incapable of unilateral ruling the other of each member and observer of the organization is members of the organization, the SCO is the best not common. There is no limit of divergent objectives forum for the regional states; moreover SCO demands to aforesaid China-Russia relations but they are found lesser rule than the CSTO. CSTO is under the control within the SCO. For instance, China-Kazakhstan of Russia and without China it is a counter balance. relations were also disturbed during the drills peace Moscow has superiority in the CSTO and limits the mission in 2007. However, Kazakhstan was a member liberty of the member states. The SCO is providing a and participant of the exercises but could not conduct platform for bilateral arrangement and lot of liberty them due to internal problems of legislation and did for its member states. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan not allow Chinese troops to go through her territory. are depending on Russia to fulfill their security and After the very next year, Kazakhstan offered to host energy needs. On the other hand, Kazakhstan and SCO war games later. Another issue is a rivalry of Uzbekistan do not depend on Moscow for security Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. During the Peace mission but have intentions of friendly and pragmatic 2012, Uzbekistan was not participating in exercises relations. Beijing and Moscow eager to share the and refused the request of Kazakhstan to passing burden of security of the region on the expensive of through her soil. The Uzbek troops made detour their own strategic interests without demanding any through Kyrgyzstan to reach Tajikistan. These issues domestic transformations from the regional states. are a question mark on the unity of SCO members. It Consequently, SCO has emerged as a convenient looks that the organization is still unable to resolve plate form for the member states particularly Central some basic issues such as military transit via member Asian states to preserve domestic status quo by state territories. Such differences and divergence of accommodating the ambitions of China and Russia national interests and present cooperation among the within one framework. states might change into disputes even considering the tense relations between Pakistan and India. The writer is Ph. D. Scholar Political Science Department The Islamia University Bahawalpur and Lecturer at Shanghai Cooperation Organization is significant international Heritage College Arifwala forum for the member states. The central Asian countries are expecting that the SCO forum is not

20 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT China Led Dialogue Among Civilization Muhammad Asif Noor

n this world of growing chaos, conflict and threat arranged. Furthermore, government officials from Ito the world peace, with mounting trade wars Asia and beyond continent, representatives of and battles for riches and rule, the Conference on relevant International Organizations and officials Dialogue on Asian Civilization conceptualized by related to culture, arts and civilization were invited President Xi Jinping, was a breath of fresh air. With in the week-long event. CDAC has managed to win an underlining emphasis on dialogue between the global recognition in terms of diverse participation civilizations and cultures amongst the countries and partnership of global agencies like UNESCO. engaging in the backdrop of growing Chinese lead In partnership with UNESCO, Chinese Ministry Belt and Road Initiative-a global mammoth project of Education organized a panel on “Safeguarding of connectivity and prosperity, the meeting was the Diversity of Asian Civilizations” recently. The aimed at promoting the exchanges of discourse and empaneled speakers focused on pre-decided agenda understanding. The conference was also organized at covering historical perspectives of diversity of Asian the times when few of the elements in the west were civilizations, cultural interaction among Asian continuously terming the recent US-China rift as people, identifying common heritage, challenges “clash of civilization and a different ideology” which faced by integration and diversity of cultures, and in is dangerously irresponsible narrative having seeds the end exploring and promoting commonalities of of confrontation within for world at large. Whereas, in shared cultures. certainty, there have always remained dialogue and In his keynote and inaugural speech, President negotiations mechanisms emplaced between US and Xi “called for discarding arrogance and prejudice, China but also the other nations states aswell in the deepening the understanding of differences in global system at large. There is growing divergence civilizations, and advancing inter-civilizational of interests especially with rising challenge to a exchanges and dialogue,” He also said that “It is hegemon habitual of unilateral system of influence foolish to believe that one’s race and civilization while there is a rise of multilateralism and challenges are superior to others,” Xi said. “It is disastrous to to the status quo posed by China. With rise of Chinese willfully reshape or even replace other civilizations.” economy and growing potential especial after the President Xi presents the extension of his vision advent of BRI and global opening up, the country has towards multipolar world, social digitization, and a leading position to develop a consensus to develop cultural diversity which offers hope to human society a unique Asian Civilization paradigm to develop and where equality and respect must be exercised. challenge the dominant powers and ideologies. The world led and envisioned by China is prosperous The occasion was attended by the state leaders, heads with peaceful coexistence. The Chinese leadership of international organizations and representatives is vehemently presenting opposition to unilateral from various fields of humanities. Apart from liberal values and export of Western Democracy in the central conference where President Xi was a developing states. Infrastructure development in keynote speaker, there were numerous side events partner states presents one aspect of Chinese openness to commemorate diverse and indigenous Asian towards the world which appears to be more tangible culture comprising Asian Cultural Carnival, Asian and concrete and may least consequential in far future Civilization Week, and an Asian Food Festival and but invisible and intangible links, that are of culture finally six parallel session for Asian Leaders were

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 21 and civilization’s, constitutes the tools for China to several others, have always been encouraged, led and exert its leadership potential in Asia and beyond. supported by China. BRI with strong connectivity China has persistently favored reforms in global ideology in its essence, inspire stronger relationship governance, internationalized its currency, and amongst the cultures and people at large. sharing its culture, language and media with fellow Moreover, during the CADC, Asian Civilization Week Asians and even Europeans through well-funded attracted the people across the world in abundance educational programs i.e. Confucius Institutes. China where cultural parades, performances and other and other Asian partners of China have rightfully artful cultural activities were presented. To add more identified culture a common binding force among fun, a series of movies covering different themes them which needs to be further explored and shared and topics were screened in cinemas across China. to seek cultural affinity. President Xi stressed that Artists from Pakistan, China, Jordan, Philippines, there are no clash of civilizations and people need to Malaysia and India showed “A Panorama of Asia” have a heart to appreciate each civilization. to the audience. Asian Food Week presents delicious Thousands of years ago, the lives, cultures, cuisine, cuisines from all across Asian countries and shared trade and business thrived on ancient Silk Road with recipes. This food festival held simultaneously in ever mounting enlightenment thriving with travel four major cities of Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, of human race from across the globe. The travelers and Chengdu in China. In addition to it, there brought the essence of tolerance and dialogue held Asian Cultural Carnival in Beijing’s National with developing “Karwan Sarai”, development of Stadium themed at “Celebration of Youth, Dream of new languages such as Urdu, music, cuisine and Asia” hosted by China Media Group. This carnival amalgamation of these cultures made new pathways shows cased 15 extravagant performances of around and brought new diversity. This has created the 30,000 performers representing over 47 countries. In culture of Silk Road of its own. Beautiful, mesmerizing addition to it, Carnival launched its thematic song yet preaching and propagating peace, tolerance and “Our Asia” collectively sung by students and artists civility amongst the inhabitants. The centuries old of different countries representing one Asia. The history of the world at large and Silk Road is witness song was followed by CDAC parade in the stadium to the fact that the civility and civilizations grow when representing 47 states and regions. they learn from each other. Advent of paper, printing Without a doubt, China is leading the Asian world press, tradition of translation from one language opposing the forces of oppression and unilateralism to another also brought the understanding hence with its openness, sharing of prosperity wisdom and recorded the movement of revival and renaissance in cooperation hence blocking all the hinderance on the the world. way of peace and progress. Evidently, China and With its uniqueness, CADC is presenting a exceptional the US have engaged in trade tussle but the positive forum and opportunity for the countries, nations attitude of leadership in China keeps the talks open states and nations to build synergies and unity and avenues of cooperation unguarded even with in diversity in this global civil society. This is the its competitors. China has exponentially succeeded world needs right now. More peace, understanding in winning partners in South, Central and East and normalcy. This conference has also boosted Asia driven by common culture and heritage which the narrative of building to rediscover the Asian eventually foster trade, tourism, culture exchange identities to connect and coup with the changing and tenants of interdependence. world. It is also pertinent to note that most of the The writer is Director, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic forums including recent CADC, Boao Forum for Asia, Studies and IPDS Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN and

22 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT China’s Asia - Pacific regional integration and Its options

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Bui Thanh Nam and Assoc.Prof.Dr.Bui Hong Hanh

he Asia-Pacific region is playing a huge role in gives China greater access to resources. Second, Tthe economic growth of not only regionally but signing the FTA plays an important role in China’s also globally. Currently, the region is also leading foreign policy. The FTA is a factor that ensures the movement of FTAs in the world. The FTAs is stability in developing and maintaining peaceful leading to regional-wide FTA convergence initiatives relations with neighboring countries, facilitating for the first time in history such as CPTPP, RCEP China’s ability to more effectively target such as and FTAAP. However, the approach of these trade the BRI initiative. On the other hand, for nearly 40 initiatives is quite different in terms of contents, size years of high economic growth, China has taken and members. In addition, the idea of ​​forming FTAAP its power to a new level. China needs to affirm its is given in the context of two major trade agreements wealth, power and status to win a better position in the region including CPTPP and RCEP. As a result, in regional and international order. Through FTAs, the outcome of these two agreements will inevitably China’s economic and institutional strengths can help have a significant impact on the FTAAP process, China achieve this goal. Third, geopolitical issues are either or both of which could lay the foundation for also a factor driving China to more trade talks. The the creation of a trade agreement itself. RCEP is considered a “retaliatory” strategy when the US did not invite China to join the TPP. Therefore, The US did not initiate TPP, but it has pushed TPP as active regional economic integration is one of the a trade agreement between the Pacific Rim to form, strategies that Beijing can use to cope with the rapid providing the principles for regional trade in the development of the TPP. 21st century. After seven years of hard negotiations, 12 members signed the agreement in October 2015. China also has more opportunities to play a leading Although the agreement was troubled when Donald role in economic integration in the Asia-Pacific Trump’s government announced its withdrawal, the region while the US is gradually reducing its role in remaining 11 countries, under the lead of Japan and the region. First, many countries in the Asia-Pacific Canada, resumed negotiations in May 2017. They region pursues an export-oriented industrialization concluded on reshaping the CPTPP, which icing model. Most of these countries are medium size, so some articles of TPP with the hope of the return of they need both input and output markets to serve the US, in November 2017. their economic growth. China is supplying both. For more than a decade, China has clearly been creating In recent years, China has been one of the countries prosperity for its neighbors as not only a exported that has actively promoted regional economic commodity destination and but also a supplier integration in East Asia. By 2016, China has signed of essential materials, especially raw materials and implemented 14 FTAs involving 22 countries and equipment. Second, China’s economic model and territories. China’s active international economic makes many countries want to learn. In the past, integration caused from many factors. First, FTAs many countries have criticized China’s political movement meet the growing demand of China’s institutions, even warned that it could not grow market for materials, equipment and technology. In with the tight state-controlled China model. China’s order to meet the demand for domestic economic success in overcoming major economies has made development, especially in the context of oil price, raw these statements obsolete. More and more experts materials and fuels, which contain many fluctuating and researcher agrees that democracy and growth factors, China intends to continue opening up the are not two attached categories, or that the concept outward-looking strategy. Thus, expanding the FTA

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 23 of democracy should be interpreted as pertinent fears among countries and can make Chinese FTA principles to each country with different in cultural, initiatives difficult to convince them. social, philosophies. Therefore, even when taking the large power influences or economic interests out of Third, the level of liberalization in China’s FTAs China’s FTA strategy, signing the FTA with China has not yet been considered as comprehensive. also contains the dynamics of reform not only in China remains one of the world’s highest levels of economically but also in the social management that protectionist economies. According to the WTO, the aspected by China’s neighbors will. average tariff imposed by China on imported goods is about 9.6%, much higher than the 5.3% in the However, China is also facing challenges that need European Union (EU) and 3.5% in the US. In addition to be addressed to successfully achieve its goal of to tariffs, China is also proficient in using non-tariff becoming a regional economic integration hub. barriers to protect its domestic businesses, especially large ones. This is also a negative point for China’s First, China does not shape RCEP with high pursuit of the FTAs movement. standards such as TPP. Thus, China has diluted the RCEP concept, considering RCEP as a purely With the withdrawal from the TPP of the US , China “comprehensive” FTA, aimed at adding partners is taking a great opportunity to lead the region’s to increase its geopolitics objectives rather than a integration trend. China also simultaneously raised comprehensive content. If it come true, RCEP would two trade liberalization initiatives, including the be the same as the relatively limited FTAs already in RCEP and FTAAP. But, there is much works need to place in East Asia, that reduces the attractiveness of be done in the RCEP process as well as the promotion the RCEP initiative. of the FTAAP initiative.

Second, China’s trade with FTA partners accounts A key question for the RCEP process is whether for a very modest proportion. Although China’s Beijing will easily convince major partner such as trade volume and partners have grown sharply over Japan into its orbit. China’s economic powerhouse the past 5 year, but it counts only 22% trade in total. and security rival, Japan, is present in both TPP and Furthermore, with these trading partners, China is RCEP. With its vital interests, Japan hardly participate always the surplus exporter. This has caused a lot of in an initiative only to benefit China. So it is not easy

24 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT for China to launch its self - public in East Asia. of developed countries but also flexible enough for developing countries in the region. In this way, In addition, both the TPP and the RCEP can set economies that engage in RCEP negotiations with less the rules for the formation of FTAAP. However, ambitious terms will have to accept more stringent the possibility of RCEP being extended to become requirements in FTAAP. At the same time, economies FTAAP is considered to be lower than that of TPP. that are currently participating in CPTPP with more First, RCEP is said to be limited to market access comprehensive and rigorous terms will have to yield and other common problems without mentioning and accept more less ambitious terms in FTAAP. its issues “within the borders” like TPP. Under the Thus, if FTAAP is built in this way, trade relations leadership of China, the RCEP does not intend to between major economies in APEC, especially the discuss on labor standards, environmental protection US and China, will continue to expand, while the and government procurement issues. It is difficult to economies that are members of the CPTPP do not attract the participation of developed countries due have to worry about cutting their commitments under to the inability to deliver high standards and binding the agreement so that China and other countries can on “WTO plus” issues, while this is a prerequisite directly participate in the TPP. This is a likely scenario requirement of developed countries. Second, even for China. nowadays, the countries participating in the RCEP negotiations are limited to ASEAN countries and Its It can be said that what any ever the process of FTA partners. Therefore, in order for RCEP to become integration of the Asia-Pacific region takes place, a fundamental agreement for the establishment countries must take into account the role of China of FTAAP, memberships need to be changed and in the process. China has its own mindset, however, open to other countries in the region. Third, because the context of the area is complex and China is not CPTPP concluded before RCEP formation, so sufficient to create a playground with rules set by CPTPP has the advantage of becoming as a major China. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region fundamental in shaping FTAAP. In addition, some which economic depend on China that might make other economies are also considering CPTPP that it possible for China to confidently promote its own make more advantage for its. Another scenario is that thought and mechanism for economic cooperation in if FTAAP is not established on an RCEP basis, could East Asia. However, given the growing concern about it be based on CPTPP? If the formula of formation territorial disputes in the region, China needs to build of the FTAAP is equal to CPTPP + model, then the the trust of its neighbors by its more peaceful policy answer is definitely not by at least two things. First, trade history has shown that the US never returned The most important strategy of the Chinese to a trade agreement that it had given up; Second, government at the moment is to actively promote the provisions of CPTPP are not expected to be its FTA strategies to deal with the return of the as comprehensive as the original TPP, but it is still United States. The unchanging policy of the Chinese higher than China’s view. It is clear that China will government is to accelerate the development of the not support CPTPP as it did with the original TPP in free trade area with China’s major trading partners in the past . Asia. The geographical proximity of Asian countries is an important guarantee for each other’s stability If China chooses not to participate in the CPTPP, and economic development and cooperation with FTAAP may be formed based on the third approach. distant countries may not be conducive to economic In that case, APEC economies may choose to development of these countries themselves. China form an entirely new FTAAP agreement based needs to prove to its neighbors that China will on a combination of both CPTPP and RCEP. An continue to be a reliable bilateral economic partner. agreement incorporating the elements of the CPTPP and the RCEP, while meeting the high requirements The writers are part of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 25 Understanding the Educational and Cultural Aspects of CPEC Dr. Meilan He

hina-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was cultural tours and exchange, and so on. Cinitiated by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang during his visit to Pakistan in 2013. Chinese President 1. Establishment of China study centers Xi Jinping formally launched construction of CPEC on (CSCs) and Pakistan study centers his state visit to Pakistan in 2015. CPEC construction (PSCs) pattern is featuring a central role of the CPEC and The first China Study Center in Pakistan was set up at four key areas of economic cooperation including COMSATS Institute of Information and Technology, Gwadar port, energy, transportation infrastructure Islamabad, in 2012. With the launching of CPEC, and industrial cooperation. Today, CPEC has become more China study centers have been established at a pilot project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistani universities and research institutes. Among others are CSCs of National University of Science and Over the past six years, remarkable achievements Technology (NUST), Government College University have been made in the four key areas of economic (GCU) and Peshawar University. According to the cooperation as a result of mutual efforts and work of information respectively from Pak-China Institute the governments and people of China and Pakistan. It and the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, about 20 China is frequently pronounced that under the framework study centers (CSCs) have been established in Pakistan of CPEC, 11 projects have been completed and 11 by March of 2019, which makes a marked contrast projects are under construction in the first phase. The with 7 Pakistan study centers (PSCs) established in projects mentioned here are mainly of energy and Chinese universities and research institutions by July road ones such as Sahiwal Coal-fired Power Plant. of 2018. Among the Chinese universities that set up Subsequently, the impact on the infrastructure PSCs are Sichuan University, Beijing University and improvement and economic growth of Pakistan has Qinghua University, just to name a few. These CSCs become the main topic of CPEC discussion. That and PSCs organize academic conferences, hold round is to say, people take the areas of energy, road and table meetings and workshops, compile and publish infrastructure as the priority of CPEC construction. No journals, reports and monographs. These activities doubt, the areas directly connected to economy under have contributed considerably to the understanding CPEC framework are very important. Moreover, the of CPEC and the economy, politics, history and outcome of improving people’s living circumstances culture of China and Pakistan. becomes visible in a shorter time. For instance, the load shedding frequency and duration in Pakistani 2. Chinese language teaching and learning cities have been reduced to a considerable degree. Language is an important component of culture and the first means for understanding a culture. In However, the performance in the areas of educational the context of CPEC, Pakistanis generally believe and cultural collaboration under CPEC is noteworthy that mastering Chinese language would not only as well and we cannot turn a blind eye towards bring the business communities closer and provide the progress of the said areas. They are manifested Pakistani youths with more job opportunities but in fields such as Chinese language teaching and also help the people of both countries understand learning, educational institutions’ collaboration and

26 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT each other’s perspective better. After the initiation of the CPEC, a Chinese language learning craze has emerged in Pakistan and the student enrollment is increasing day by day. Generally speaking, Chinese language teaching in Pakistan is offered roughly in four categories.

Both the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan have set up separate scholarship for learning Chinese language at universities in China. Take the instance of Punjab province, 495 qualified students have been selected and sent to different Chinese universities under the said scholarship since seem to take a more tolerant attitude towards Chinese 2016. Similarly, Baluchistan provincial government language. At least five traditional seminaries have has allocated special funds for the similar purpose. been offering Chinese courses to their students over Twenty four students from different districts of the the past five years. province were sent to China on this two-year program with the cost of approximately Rs. 1.8 million per 3. China-Pakistan higher educational student. institutions’ collaboration

Non-governmental and private education and Under the framework of CPEC, the educational business institutions are also promoting Chinese cooperation between the two countries has expanded language learning among Pakistani youths. For from Chinese language course to curriculum reform example, Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and students training collaboration of higher and Industry (PCJCCI) is one of the earliest private educational institutions. organizations that started Chinese language classes in 2015. By the mid-2018, PCJCCI has set up about Aiming at setting the course of academic collaboration 13 teaching venues around Lahore and total 2500 between the universities of Pakistan and China, the students attended Chinese language classes during Higher Education Commission (HEC) initiated the the three years from 2015 to 2018. Some of its launch of CPEC Consortium of Business Schools teaching venues include Punjab Technical Education (CCBS) in August 2017. The CCBS is composed of & Vocational Training Authority, Central Punjab eight top-ranking Chinese universities and eight University and Lahore Education Institute. leading Pakistani universities. The establishment of CCBS is beneficial for Pakistani educationists In addition, lots of private academies of various scales to learn Chinese higher educational knowledge and levels are offering Chinese language classes and experience. It serves the purpose to provide although it is hard to know the exact number of these intelligent services to CPEC construction by linking private classes. They are indeed playing an important the course work and student education of Pakistani role in Pakistanis’ Chinese language learning as the universities to CPEC related areas such as energy, house-run academies are a very popular off-campus agriculture, food, coastal resources development and educational means in Pakistan. financial collaboration mechanism.

What is surprising is that the religious schools in In the field of educational cooperation, we must Pakistan, which usually discourage the learning of mention the joint degree programs operating at foreign languages other than Arabic and Persian, some Pakistani universities. One of them is the joint

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 27 doctorate program cooperated by Punjab University In the mass media field, Huashang Bao (weekly) and a few Chinese universities. Fifteen Chinese released its first edition in July 2017 in collaboration students are currently studying at PU to pursue a with the biggest Pakistani news group Jang, This is doctor degree in historiography. They will focus on the first Chinese language newspaper published in the study of Pakistani history and culture. These Pakistan. It was written in the inaugural foreword young people will certainly play the role of a bridge in that Huashang Bao was launched following the promoting Chinese people’s in-depth understanding Belt and Road Initiative, with an aim to advance of Pakistani society and culture in the future. enterprise-depth cooperation between China and Pakistan under CPEC. 4. China-Pakistan cultural exchange and interactions Unfortunately, the cultural cooperation activities under CPEC framework have not received proper Presenting the culture and heritage of China and attentions and interpretation from both the Pakistan to their respective people is an essential part of professionals and general public. There may be two BRI and CPEC construction. The relevant government reasons for this. One is that the educational stereotype departments and cultural organizations have done and cultural traditions have been deeply rooted in the much work to promote cultural connectivity between society. The other is that it will take a longer time for the people of China and Pakistan in the form of the the impact of educational and cultural cooperation CPEC Cultural Caravan, Silk Road Culture Heritage to take place. But once the impact yields, it will be Week, Pakistan Culture Day, etc. The activities cover pervasive and strong. Thus, we should bring it into the fields from cultural heritage, arts, films &TV appropriate notice and observation and keep it under shows, sports to media. proper guidance. In August 2017, the Ministry of Information, In summary, the people related to academics and Broadcasting and National Heritage of Pakistan cultural fields both in China and Pakistan are well officially launched the CPEC Cultural Caravan, aware of the significant functions of education which is composed of 60 Chinese and Pakistani and culture in the mutual understanding of the artists, anthropologists, painters, musicians, dancers, two peoples. And they have done great work in writers and filmmakers and photographers. They the construction of educational and cultural areas traversed the CPEC route on equipped vehicles from of CPEC with the guidance of both governments. Xinjiang to Gwadar documenting art and culture at Since CPEC is a megaproject for both Pakistan and about 15 places along the route in 30 days. China in the coming decades, new problems in From November 2017, Chinese TV drama titled Beijing social and cultural understanding and adapting of Youth translated into Urdu by China International the two peoples might occur anytime, for example, Broadcasting Station started to air on PTV. In June of the recently emerged marriage scandal. Hence, 2018, at the International Film Festival held in China, we should be well prepared to face the challenges the filmmakers of the two countries announced that through enhancing and expanding CPEC cultural they would jointly produce a film titledThe Journey to construction to foster confidence, mutual trust and tell the stories of CPEC construction workers. people-to-people understanding.

Due to the popularity of cricket in Pakistan, two The writer is Associate Professor at Area Study Center of Chinese cricketers joined Peshawar Zalmi team in Hebei Normal University, China. March 2018.

28 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT SHANGHAI SPIRIT and INDO-PAK RIVALRY Muhammad Ishaq .

t was a foresighted vision of Chinese leadership by SCO towards conflict resolution and pursuing Ito maintain a friendly relationship with its joint ventures for dealing with extremism, terrorism neighborhood. The said objective was impossible to and separatism are known as “Shanghai Spirit”. achieve without establishing a sustainable platform With joining SCO as permanent members, Pakistan for resolving existing border disputes earlier and to and India have brought new prospects and challenges enhance cooperation for development, security and for the organization and the region at large. Pakistan stability of region with due course of time. China has dealt with terrorism successfully and achieved shares its eastern borders with Russia, Tajikistan, a clear victory over it. The wave of terrorism has Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan upon fall of USSR and affected not only the country but the whole region. creation of Central Asian States, China was facing the Pakistan can contribute in countering terrorism by conflict of undetermined borders. On the other hand facilitating member states through Regional Anti- newly born states of Central Asia had border disputes Terrorism Structure (RATS) which is the sub institute among them and also with China and Russia. The of SCO. Moreover, being the part of BRI and CPEC, situation could be worsened had the disputes been Pakistan is very important in regional connectivity. not handled with peaceful approach and the region India, on the other hand has a large market which could have gone for armed and bloody conflicts. has the potential to provide opportunities for Chinese leadership avoided the approach of use of member states in trade. Energy resources of Central force for resolution of these issues and adopted a Asian states are attractive for India and Pakistan to peaceful approach thereby creating “Shanghai Five” overcome their energy constraints. Good bilateral in 1996 with the consent of Russia and aforesaid relations of both the states with other members are Central Asia states. already established and cooperation can be achieved. Shanghai Five provided an opportunity for these Beside the prospects, rivalry of Pakistan and India has states to come up with the treaties of “Confidence become one of the biggest challenges for Shanghai Building Measures on Borders” and “Mutual Cooperation Organization. Reduction of Military Forces on the Borders Areas”. Pakistan and India had the history of enmity and These treaties not only helped in resolution of disputes remained in a hostile relationship till this date which among these states but also created a confidence caused many battles and armed conflicts. Recently, between the member states to cooperate further for on 26th February, 2019 after Palwama attack, India development, trade and security. The confidence has violated the international border of Pakistan led towards the creation of an higher standard by sending its fighting aircrafts inside Pakistan. organization. In 2002, Shanghai Five was upgraded Earlier, Indian media claimed that in said strike as “Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)” and 250 to 300 non-military persons (civilians) were Uzbekistan was also given the status of a permanent killed. The claim of damage was, however, denied member. SCO included more states as observer states, by the government officials and state ministers. In Dialogue Partners and Guest Attendances. On 9th of retaliation Pakistan Air Force sent its JF-17 Thunder June, 2017 Pakistan and India become the permanent aircrafts in daylight on 27th February, 2019 and in this member states of SCO during annual summit at strike Pakistani aircrafts locked six very important Astana, Kazakhstan. The peaceful approach adopted targets inside India, however for gesture of peace,

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 29 gathered in annual meeting at Bishkek, Kirghizstan on 22nd May, 2019. In this session a side line meeting of both the foreign ministers not only discussed the current tension but also Pakistani Foreign Minister offered dialogue for resolution of existing issues. In return Indian Foreign Minister brought sweets to speak sweetly. The platform indeed, provided the vital opportunity for both the counterparts to sit together during such a conflictual situation. Shah Mehmood Qureshi has declared that opening of “Kartarpur Corridor” is our initiative which is based on Shanghai Spirit. This initiative will help in creation these targets were not hit and Pakistani jets bombed of a friendly environment and will provide an easy at adjacent to these targets and said military action access to holy places for Indian Sikh community. was expressed by DG ISPR Major General Asif It is pertinent to mention that foreign ministers Ghafoor during a press conference on 27th February, meeting were supposed to be held in last September 2019. However, two Indian jets (one MiG-21 and one during annual session of United Nations, however, SU 30) followed Pakistani jets and were shot down India stepped back by blaming bad intentions of by PAF. Indian Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Pakistani leadership. The provisioning of continues was captured by Pakistan Army after shot down of meeting among various high level leadership of his MiG 21 Bison aircraft. Prime Minister Imran Khan member states is the significance of SCO and it announced the release of Indian pilot for gesture of insures the continuity in dialogue and negotiations peace once again. This decision prevented both the which are ultimately required for melting the ice countries from a full-fledged war. between the rival neighbors. It can be assessed Nonetheless, this rivalry can lead towards more that the continuity in main sessions and side line armed conflicts if issues especially Kashmir conflict is meetings of SCO can pave the way to all members not addressed and situation could be more disastrous for settlement of bilateral and multilateral issues as both the rivals are equipped with nuclear weapons which is essential for achievement of key objectives. and having the 197 Million Pakistani and 1.33 Billion The region certainly needs the integration through Indian population respectively (Survey report 2017). strengthening relations among member states, It is very important for the leadership of both the promotion of assistance in political affairs, increase in states to look deep into the matter and to identify the trade and economies and cooperation in educational root causes of existing disputes. It is also very vital and scientific-technical spheres, culture and energy for regional peace that leadership of both the states sectors. By evolving cooperation member states can should have continuous sessions for dialogues and also enjoy the advantages of tourism, comforting negotiations to eliminate the causes of war. For such freight conditions of transportation and can also a purpose, an appropriate platform is essentially safeguard environmental protection and regional required which could arrange at least a side line peace as well. meeting for the leadership of both the states. Since bilateral dialogue of India and Pakistan Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a suitable has been stalled since January-2013, it has been platform for such a purpose and after above said observed that absence of such organization e.g. armed conflict Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India Shanghai Cooperation Organization was one the

30 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT major obstacle in restarting the negotiations. Sources to learn from, as in past conflicts were tried to be from Pakistan claim that Prime Ministers of both resolved by force and the whole world went for two the states may meet in side-line meeting of SCO world wars. After disastrous drawbacks of bloody Summit 2019 which is to be held on 14-15 June at wars, these states came up with the idea of European Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It is also hoped that pause in Union and collaboration in building economies for dialogue may be discussed however; Indian sources establishment of peaceful relations. are neither validating the said possibility nor ruling If we analyze the developing situation, it can be it out. The political approach of India will affect the assessed that Pakistani and Indian Prime Ministers forthcoming meeting as Prime Minister of Pakistan will meet in a side line meeting which would be has offered dialogue many times for settlement of significant for bilateral relations. Reasonable efforts issues including Kashmir. Nevertheless, certainly for restarting the dialogue are required from both the both the prime ministers are visiting Bishkek for sides which will not only help to draw the future lines annual SCO summit. for peaceful relations but also for adoption of conflict Evading from issues is not solution and earlier or resolving approach. China and Russia being the most later, Pakistan and India have to sit together for important members are also looking for a cooperative negotiations and settlement of disputes. Kashmir environment among the member states. With the help conflict has its own significance and it has been of these pioneer members conflicted situation can be growing with the passage of time. UNO resolutions handled safely. Furthermore, a successful conduct of are still pending since decades. Wars on Kashmir have said meeting will be another milestone for Shanghai created the state of insecurity for India and Pakistan. Cooperation Organization by following Shanghai In the prevalence of such insecurity both the states Spirit. cannot progress and prosper as faster as required The writer is a research scholar in NDU, Islamabad. by their impoverished nations. Development and cooperation among the western states are examples

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 31 On Victory Day H.E Mr. Sergey Lavrov Foreign Minister of Russian Federation

he month of May and the fireworks are now Nazi Germany and, jointly with the Allies, liberated Tbehind us. The country and the world celebrated Europe from the fascist plague. The victory laid the Victory Day, which is a holiday of war veterans, foundation for the post-war world order based on home front workers, and all the people of Russia collective security and state-to-state cooperation, and and other victorious nations. There was a grand paved the way to creating the UN. These are the facts. parade on Red Square and a wreath laying ceremony Unfortunately, however, the memory of Victory is at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The march of not sacred to all around the world. It is regrettable the Immortal Regiment – a civil initiative that has that there are individuals in Russia who picked up acquired a truly global dimension – took place again the myths spread by those who want to bury this not only in Russia, but in many other countries as memory, and who believe that time has come to stop well, with the participation of hundreds of thousands solemn celebrations of Victory Day. The greater the of Russians, our compatriots abroad and citizens of anniversary numbers become, the more we come face other countries – all people who cherish the memory to face with the desire to forget. of Victory and the memory of those who worked to bring it closer. Bitter as it is to witness, we see the attempts to discredit the heroes, to artificially generate doubts about There’s another date ahead – June 22, the day of the correctness of the path our ancestors followed. memory and grief for those who died during the Great Both abroad and in our country we hear that public Patriotic War. We will be remembering those who consciousness in Russia is being militarised, and fell in battles, were tortured to death in captivity and Victory Day parades and processions are nothing concentration camps, or died of hunger and the toils other than imposing bellicose and militaristic of war. Preparations are beginning for celebrating the sentiment at the state level. By doing so, Russia is 75th anniversary of Victory in 2020, which, of course, allegedly rejecting humanism and the values of will be held at a level appropriate to the scale of the the “civilised” world. Whereas European nations, feat and the greatness of the spirit of the heroes of they claim, have chosen to forget about the “past that war. One can’t help thinking about it: what does grievances,” came to terms with each other and are May 9 mean for the peoples who were on the verge “tolerantly” building “forward-looking relations.” of annihilation, and why do some people loathe this holiday today? Our detractors seek to diminish the role of the Soviet Union in World War II and portray it if not as the As someone who is part of the first post-war main culprit of the war, then at least as an aggressor, generation, who grew up on the stories told by war along with Nazi Germany, and spread the theses veterans and family tales about the war, I believe the about “equal responsibility.” They cynically equate answers to these questions are obvious. The peoples Nazi occupation, which claimed tens of millions of of the Soviet Union and other countries became lives, and the crimes committed by collaborationists the object of the inhuman ideology of Nazism, and with the Red Army’s liberating mission. Monuments then the victim of aggression on behalf of the most are erected in honour of Nazi henchmen. At the same powerful, organised and motivated war machine of time, monuments to liberator soldiers and the graves that time. At the cost of terrible sacrifices, the Soviet of fallen soldiers are desecrated and destroyed in Union made a decisive contribution to defeating some countries. As you may recall, the Nuremberg

32 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Tribunal, whose rulings became an integral part of attempts to drive a wedge between us are disgraceful. international law, clearly identified who was on the But no matter how hard the falsifiers of history try, side of good and who was on the side of evil. In the the fire of truth cannot be put out. It was the peoples first case, it was the Soviet Union, which sacrificed of the Soviet Union who broke the backbone of the millions of lives of its sons and daughters to the altar of Third Reich. That is a fact. Victory, as well as other Allied nations. In the second The attacks on Victory Day and the celebration of case, it was the Third Reich, the Axis countries and the great feat of those who won the terrible war are their minions, including in the occupied territories. appalling. However, false interpretations of history are being Notorious for its political correctness, Europe is introduced into the Western education system trying to smooth out “sharp historical edges” and with mystifications and pseudo-historical theories to substitute military honours for winners with designed to belittle the feat of our ancestors. Young “neutral” reconciliation events. No doubt, we must people are being told that the main credit in victory look forward, but we must not forget the lessons of over Nazism and liberation of Europe goes not to the history either. Soviet troops, but to the West due to the landing in Normandy, which took place less than a year before Few people were concerned that in Ukraine, which Nazism was defeated. gravitates towards “European values,” the former Poroshenko regime declared a state holiday the We hold sacred the contribution of all the Allies to day of founding the Ukrainian Insurgent Army – a the common Victory in that war, and we believe any

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 33 criminal organisation responsible for the deaths of not exist, although it would seem that an ideological tens of thousands of civilian Ukrainians, Belarusians, face-off was a perfect setting for it. Few dared to Russians, Poles and Jews (although in Israel, whose challenge the decisive role of the Soviet Union in people survived the Holocaust, May 9 is an official our common Victory back then and the standing our holiday, Victory Day). Other glaring examples from country enjoyed during the post-war period, which neighbouring countries include Nazi Germany- our Western allies recognised without reservations. like torchlight processions of neo-Banderites along Incidentally, it was they who initiated the division the main streets of the Hero City of Kiev, and the of Europe into “areas of responsibility” back in 1944, marches of veterans and supporters of Waffen-SS in when Churchill raised this issue with Stalin during Riga and Tallinn. I would like to ask those who do not the Soviet-British talks. like the tears of our veterans during parades and who Today, distorting the past, Western politicians and criticise the “militarised” events in honour of Victory: propagandists want to make the public doubt the fair how do you like this kind of “demilitarisation” of nature of the world order that was approved in the consciousness in a European way? UN Charter following World War II. They adopted a No one will admit this, of course, but here are the facts: policy seeking to undermine the existing international the United States, NATO and the EU let their junior legal system and to replace it with a certain “rule- partners, who are using blatant Russophobia to build based order.” They want to create this order based their careers, get away with quite a lot. These guys get on the principle of “he who is stronger is right” and away with everything, including glorification of Nazi according to the “law of the jungle.” henchmen and hardcore chauvinism towards ethnic This primarily concerns the United States and its Russians and other minorities for the sole purpose of peculiar perception of 20th century history. The idea using them to keep Western alliances on anti-Russian of “two good wars” is still widespread there, as a positions and to reject a pragmatic dialogue with result of which the United States secured military Moscow on an equal footing. dominance in Western Europe and a number of other Occasionally it appears that the purpose of such regions of the world, raised confidence in its strength, connivance on behalf of the West is to relieve of experienced an economic boom and became the responsibility those who, by colluding with Hitler world leader. in Munich in 1938, tried to channel Nazi aggression Just as enthusiastically as the Europeans, the to the east. The desire of many in Europe to rewrite Americans are creating an image of “militaristic that shameful chapter of history can probably be Russia.” However, most of their own history is a understood. After all, as a result, the economies sequence of endless wars of conquest. Over 243 years of a number of countries in continental Europe of “American exceptionalism,” interventionism has started working for the Third Reich, and the state become an integral part of Washington’s foreign machines in many of them were involved in the policy. Moreover, the US political elite think of the use Nazi-initiated genocide of Russians, Jews and other of force as a natural element of “coercive diplomacy” nations. Apparently, it is no accident that the EU and designed to resolve a wide range of issues, including NATO members regularly refuse to support the UN domestically. General Assembly resolution on the inadmissibility of glorifying Nazism, which was advanced by Russia. Not a single election campaign in the United States is The “alternative vision” of World War II among complete without the candidates trying on a toga of a Western diplomats clearly does not stem from the commander-in-chief in action. The ability to resort to lack of historical knowledge (although there are the use of force for any reason is proof of an American problems in this department as well). As you may politician’s prowess. There are many examples of recall, even during the Cold War such blasphemy did

34 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT such stereotypes being implemented under various “plausible” pretexts: Grenada in 1983, Panama in 1989, Yugoslavia in 1999 and Iraq in 2003. At the same time, America honours its fallen soldiers regardless of what cause they fought for. Memorial Day is celebrated in May, and no one has any suspicions of “militarism” when naval parades and air shows with the participation of military equipment take place in various US cities.

We are essentially accused of preserving the memory of our fathers and grandfathers, who laid down their This year, as we took part in Victory Day celebrations, lives in a sacred liberation war, giving them military we once again told everyone willing to listen: “Yes, honours, and celebrating Victory Day widely and just like our ancestors we are ready to decisively repel with pride. Was it Russia or the Soviet Union that any aggressor. But Russians do not want war, and do unleashed two world wars? Is it us who today not want to go through horror and suffering again.” operate an extensive network of military bases that The historical mission of our nation is to guard peace. were created to control the entire world? The peace we are trying to preserve. Therefore, we are offering a hand to anyone who wants to be good For diplomats and politicians, May 9 is also a good partners to us. Our Western colleagues have long occasion to recall that the Allies referred to themselves had our proposals which open realistic ways to as the United Nations in 1945. They stood shoulder overcoming confrontation and putting up a reliable to shoulder during the war, conducted Arctic barrier to all those who allow for the possibility of a convoys and fraternised on the Elbe. French pilots nuclear war. These proposals were further reinforced in the Normandie-Neman fighter regiment fought by an appeal made by the CSTO member states to the the enemy on the Soviet-German front. Awareness North Atlantic Alliance in May to begin a professional of the common threat in the face of the inhuman depoliticised dialogue on strategic stability issues. ideology of National Socialism had helped the states with different political and socioeconomic models to I am confident that the citizens of Russia and other overcome differences. The belief that the defeat of countries will be watching parades in honour of the Nazi Germany will mark the triumph of justice and 75th anniversary of the Great Victory on May 9, 2020 the victory of light over darkness was the unifying and joining the ranks of the Immortal Regiment with St factor. George ribbons attached to their lapels with thoughts of peace in their minds. The memory of those who After the war, the Allies built a new architecture of fell in battle fighting the enemies of the homeland, international relations based on the ideal of equal the enemies of civilisation, will remain alive as long cooperation between sovereign states. The creation as we mark the great holiday of victorious nations, of the UN was supposed to warrant that the sad fate the holiday of salvation and the holiday of liberation. of its predecessor, the League of Nations, will not be And there is no need to be embarrassed about the repeated. The founding fathers learned the lessons of grandiose scale of this celebration. history well and knew that without the “concert of the great powers” – that is, the unanimous consent of the http://en.interaffairs.ru/experts/918-article-on-victory- leading countries of the world which hold permanent day-by-foreign-minister-sergey-lavrov-for-international- seats at the Security Council – the world cannot enjoy affairs-magazine-june-4-2019.html stability. We must be guided by this commandment today as well.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 35 Malaysia – Yet another crisis looming? Murray Hunter

ove him or hate him, Mahathir Mohamed during Lhis first stint as prime minister was able to instill a great sense of national pride and unity.

Mahathir went on a massive infrastructure drive. Most Malaysians were proud of the Penang Bridge that finally linked the island with the mainland. The North-South Highway project changed the nature of commuting up and down the peninsula. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was built and the development of Putra Jaya gave the country a new seat of administration.

Mahathir’s fait accompli was the building of the KLCC towers in central Kuala Lumpur, which were the tallest in the world at the time. These buildings are now the country’s major icon. Langkawi became a must holiday place for Malaysians. He brought elite Formula One motor racing and built a special purpose make-up of the cabinet and its true multi-ethnic flavor. circuit for the event. He promoted the Tour de Ministers like Samy Vellu from the Malaysian India Langkawi as a local version of the Tour de France. He Congress and Ling Liong Sik from the Malaysian spared no expense on building massive new sporting Chinese Association had high public profiles. complexes at Bukit Jalil to host the Commonwealth Games in 1998. Although Mahathir was labeled as an ultra- conservative Malay, he worked with anyone who When the member nations of ASEAN abandoned the could help him fulfil his vision. Businessmen like idea to build a regional car, Mahathir went alone, Vincent Tan, Robert Kuok, Lim Goh Tong, Ananda picking up old technology from Mitsubishi, creating Krishnan, and Tony Fernandez all had very close the Proton Saga for better or worse although the relationships with Mahathir. Malaysia Inc. was more national car project has been roundly criticized for important to Mahathir than Malay supremacy. losing hundreds of millions of dollars and costing more in terms of consumer lost opportunity. That’s now 30 years ago. The prime casualty has been national pride and unity. The generally positive Nonetheless, Malaysia became an Asian Tiger and perception of the Mahathir era drastically changed Mahathir himself became an outspoken leader when he abruptly sacked his deputy Anwar Ibrahim internationally. The country was proud of what it had from office in 1998. The accusations and conviction achieved. He knew the value of national symbols. of Anwar for sodomy polarized the population. The The slogan Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can) was often goodwill that Mahathir had built up over more than heard along with the waving of the Jalur Gemilang 25 years in public life was put into question. (stripes of glory – Malaysian Flag) at public displays of national pride and unity. Although it was his intention to eliminate his nemesis Anwar from politics, he made sodomy a household The Barisan Nasional was a working government word in a conservative society, taking luster away coalition that symbolized national unity through the

36 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT from his legacy. He was painted by the Anwar there is no real talk of abolishing the monarchy. propaganda machine and the alternative media Whenever a member of one of the royal families acts as a tyrant with millions of dollars hidden away in in the interests of the rakyat, there has always been foreign banks. In addition, two years of headlines public praise and support. However, when members and court reports about Anwar’s sodomy trial took of a royal family act against the interests of the rakyat, away a sense of innocence, showing Malaysia’s ‘dark the social media react. side’ with TV pictures showing a stained mattress being carted into and out of court every day on which Stories have been circulating for years about the Anwar was convicted of performing sodomy. misdeeds of Johor Royal Family. The current spat between Tunku Ismail, the Johor Crown Prince, Under weak successors, belief in government further commonly known as TMJ and Mahathir is extremely faltered. Respect for national leaders took another hit damaging for the royal institutions. Only the sedition with Mahathir’s successor Ahmad Badawi painted as act, a de facto lese-majeste law, is protecting the someone who slept on the job and enjoyed a luxurious institution from much wider criticism. lifestyle while many suffered economically. Badawi was painted by the PKR propaganda machine as Royal decorations and titles, VVIP service in corrupt. The dealings of his son-in-law and political government offices and special treatment for some adviser Khairy Jamaluddin were portrayed as corrupt citizens over others, shows a muddled Malaysia still nepotism. clinging to the vestiges of feudalism. These artefacts are doing nothing to unite the country, a hangover Mahathir engineered an ungraceful exit for Badawi, from the old days of colonial class distinction. replacing him with Najib Razak in 2009. The Najib premiership was tainted from the outset with rumors However, the most powerful source of destruction of murder and corruption. Najib’s wife Rosmah also for national pride and unity is the ketuanan Melayu became an object of ridicule, bringing respect for the (Malay Superiority) narrative which has become institution of government to an all-time low. much more extreme. One of the basic assumptions is that bumiputeras — indigenous peoples – are the However, it’s not just the corruption of politicians rightful owners of the land. From the point of view that destroyed respect for Malaysian institutions. of the ketuanan proponents, land is not seen as a The rakyat (people) have always wanted to believe national symbol and non-Malays are excluded. This in royalty. Even with stories about royal misdoings, is a great barrier to developing any sense of national

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 37 pride and unity. Islam has buried the principles of Rukun Negara (national principles), the supposed guiding The gulf between Malay and non-Malay has widened philosophy of the nation. Rukun Negara was once dramatically over the last two generations as Islam a symbol of national pride and unity but has almost has grown into a major aspect of Malay identity. totally been replaced by a Doa (or prayer) before Citizens once celebrated their diverse ethnicities public events. A sense of nation has been sacrificed in harmony. Decrees made in the name of Islam for the Islamization of public gatherings. As dr. now discourage this. No longer are Hari Raya, Djawed Sangdel excellently explained in his 5Es Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas shared general developmental theory for XXI century, “social Malaysian experiences. consensus makes or breaks nation”.

The way of life has become Islamized to the point Today we see much less flag-waving during the where there is little place for other religions and Merdeka season. There are more divisional narratives traditions. Food, dress codes, entertainment, on all ethnic sides. There is disappointment with the education, the civil service, government, police and political system. Islam is seen by many as something the military are all Islamized. overpowering rather than emancipating. People feel they need to conform to be accepted in society. Shared apprehensions about what Malaysia will be have caused the Chinese to close ranks. The National pride and unity are at their lowest ebb since influence of Ketuanan Melayu in government policy independence, where after 30 years of education the excludes non-Malay participation in many fields like younger generations of Malays see Islam as more education, civil service and the military, etc. The important than nationalism. Chinese and Indians are younger generation of Chinese today tend to see apprehensive about what Malaysia is turning into. themselves as Chinese first and Malaysians second. Even the Orang Asli – the original inhabitants of the Chinese schools promote language and a strong peninsula before the arrival of ethnic Malays from sense of Chinese culture over a Malaysian identity as Indonesia — and non-Muslim indigenous people of a mass defence mechanism. Sabah and Sarawak identify as second-class.

The New Economic Policy, put in place in 1969 after Malaysia has travelled far away from the aspirations disastrous race riots as an affirmative action program of Tunku Abdul Rahman when the Jalur Gemilang for the majority Malays, has also done a disservice to was raised for the first time over a free Malaya in those it was designed to help. The thesis of Mahathir’s 1957. Malaysia’s economic prosperity is relatively book The Malay Dilemma was that Malays were declining in the region and the nation is increasingly basically lazy and needed help from the government strangled by the need to conform. Malaysia appears is the faulty grounding assumption. The NEP is to be a ship without a rudder, its reform agenda actually an attack on Malay self-esteem. locked away under the Official Secrets Act.

Rather than offering something spiritual, Islam has The possibility of racial violence festering once again become a doctrine of conformity, where particular cannot be overlooked. Divisive narratives are being rights and rituals must legally be adhered to. Failure pushed until one day an unknown tipping point could to do so in the case of not fasting during Ramadan be reached. The strong sense of social conformity, the can lead to punitive legal action. Any views outside exclusion of a national sense of ownership to all, the narrow social norms lead to heavy criticism. Just current totalitarian nature of authority and ketuanan recently the Islamic authorities (JAKIM) in Selangor Melayu narratives are a very dangerous mix. started investigating a discussion forum on women’s choice about wearing the hijab. Not just freedom of The writer is an Australian scholar and prolific writer. discussion is stifled, but also the right to be creative. A long time Asian affairs insider, he is author of several books for the US publishers.

38 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT PSCOFF NEWSLETTER

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies Center BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH AN INFORMED DIALOGUE

May 2019 │Issue 5 │ www.ipd.org.pk SCO HIGHLIGHTS SCO HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan and SCO

03-05-2019: Schedule of 22-05-2019: Pakistan, Russian President Vladimir Russia sign statement on Putin visit to Pakistan being 16-05-2019: Pakistan ‘no first placement of finalized attended 14th meeting of weapons in outer space’ the Security Council 04-05-2019: Iran, Secretaries of SCO in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan Discuss Expansion of Bilateral Ties 22-04-2019: Lavrov holds 08-05-2019: Russian FM to talks with Chinese 21-05-2019: FM Qureshi hold talks with his Iranian counterpart at SCO foreign arrives in Bishkek to attend counterpart in Moscow on ministers meet SCO meeting May 8 13-05-2019: Russia-China 22-05-2019: Pakistan, cooperation strengthens Kyrgyzstan agree to raise international security, says PakistanSCOFF trade volume to $10mn Lavrov Pakistan Shanghai 15-05-2019: Kazakhstan- Cooperation Friendship Forum 27-05-2019: Uzbekistan’s China Interregional is an initiative of Shanghai deputy prime minister Cooperation Forum kicks Cooperation Organization arrives in Islamabad off in Almaty Studies Centre, a research

21-05-2019: SCO Council of center at Institute of Peace and FMs’ Meeting begins in Diplomatic Studies Islamabad. 28-05-2019: China's Vice Bishkek todays President concludes highly @PakistanSCOFF successful visit to Pakistan @IPDS_Pakistan

Announcement:

In stitute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Islamabad has issued Call for Papers for

Journal of Peace and Diplomacy Issue III, Volume I. For contributions, write at # [email protected]

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 39 Putin’s visit to Pakistan being finalized

03-05-2019: The ISLAMABAD -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit Pakistan next month. Diplomatic sources in Islamabad say Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) is in consultation with the Russian Embassy in Islamabad to finalize the schedule of the expected visit of Russian President. Read More at: https://timesofislamabad.com/03-May-2019/schedule-of-russian-president- vladimir-putin-visit-to-pakistan-being-finalised

Iran, Kyrgyzstan Discuss Expansion of Bilateral Ties

04-05-2019: Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif and Deputy FM of Kyrgyzstan Nuran Niazaliyev have discussed promotion of ties in Tehran. During the Saturday meeting, the two sides discussed transit cooperation and Iran’s important role and position in this regard. They exchanged views on launching direct flights between the two states, the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and regional issues. Read More at: https://ifpnews.com/exclusive/iran-kyrgyzstan-discuss-expansion-of- bilateral-ties/#.XM8Ww_gDjrw.twitter

Russian FM to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart

08-05-2019: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif will hold talks in Moscow on Wednesday. They will discuss the issue of preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program and other global threats, including the crises in Venezuela and Syria. "The sides will exchange opinions on key topics on the international and regional agenda, including Syrian settlement, the situation around the Caspian Sea, Transcaucasia, Central Asia, SCO, JCPOA, Venezuela,“ Read More at: http://tass.com/politics/1057419

Russia-China Cooperation

13-05-2019: Sochi, May 13. /TASS/. Moscow and Beijing are actively cooperating with a view to enhance global security and stability, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday before the talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "In general, Russia-China cooperation is one of the key factors in maintaining the international Security. "Our states cooperate closely in various multilateral organizations, including the UN, G20, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa group) and RIC (Russia, India, China trilateral forum), we are working on aligning the integration potential of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) and the Belt and Road Initiative, with potentially establishing larger Eurasian partnership.“ They said. Read More: http://tass.com/world/1057949

40 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT

PKazakhstan-china Interregional Cooperation

15-05-2109: Kazakhstan-China Interregional Cooperation Forum has started its work in Almaty, Kazinform reports. The forum themed Industrial Cooperation is purposed to boost interregional and trans-border cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in attracting investments and realization of Kazakhstan's export potential. Read More at: https://www.inform.kz/en/kazakhstan-china-interregional-cooperation-forum- kicks-off-in-almaty_a3526427 Russia’s Hinted At Moscow’s Interest In N-CPEC+

20-04-2109: The Russian Ambassador to China’s latest statement of intent to pursue the integration of Beijing’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) with the Moscow- led economic and security structures in Central Asia strongly hints at the Eurasian Great Power’s interest in N-CPEC+ as the most viable way for bringing this about. Read More at: https://eurasiafuture.com/2019/04/20/russias- ambassador-to-china-strongly-hinted-at-moscows-interest-in-n-cpec/

SCO Council of FMs’ Meeting begins in Bishkek today

21-05-2019: Two-day SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begins in Bishkek today. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will lead the Pakistan delegation at the meeting. Foreign Ministers of all SCO Member States are expected to attend the meeting. The meeting will approve important documents which will later be adopted by the Council of Heads of States meeting, to be held in Bishkek next month. Read More at: http://www.radio.gov.pk/21-05- 2019/sco-council-of-fms-meeting-begins-in-bishkek-today

‘No first placement of weapons in Outer Space’

22-05-2019: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday signed a joint statement on ‘no first placement of weapons in outer space’ in Kyrgyzstan, said a statement by the Foreign Office (FO). The joint statement was signed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Read Mrore at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/1978387/1-pakistan-russia-sign-statement-no- first-placement-weapons-outer-space/ Lavrov holds talks with Chinese counterpart

22-05-2019: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Bishkek on Wednesday as part of the Shanghai Cooperation : Read More at: https://ruptly.tv/en/videos/20190522 -012

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 41 Pakistan attended 14th meeting of the SC 03-05-2019:Pakistan attended 14th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states held here in Bishkek on Wednesday May 15, 2019 According to an official statement issued by the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek, Zafar Iqbal. Read More at: https://dnd.com.pk/pakistan-attended-14th- meeting-of-the-security-council-secretaries-of-sco-in-bishkek/165813 FM Qureshi arrives in Bishkek

21-05-2019: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has arrived in Bishkek to attend two-day meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries in Bishkek. Pakistani Ambassador and senior officials of Kyrgyzstan received the Foreign Minister at the airport. Read More at: https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/492541-FM-Qureshi-Kyrgyzstan-attend- SCO-meeting Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan agree to raise trade volume

22-05-2019:Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to raise the volume of bilateral trade to the tune of 10 million dollars. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Kyrgyz counterpart Chingiz Aidarbekov on the sideline of Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek. Read More at: http://www.radio.gov.pk/22-05- 2019/pakistan-kyrgyzstan-agree-to-raise-trade-volume-to-10mn Uzbekistan’s Deputy PM arrives in Islamabad

27-05-2019: Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Elyor Ganiev on Monday landed in Islamabad on a two days official visit to Pakistan. The visiting dignitary was received by the foreign office officials as his plane landed at the Nur Khan airbase. The Uzbek deputy prime minister is accompanied by a high level delegation including deputy minister for Investment and Foreign Trade, Transport and other senior officials.: Read more at: https://arynews.tv/en/uzbekistans-deputy-pm-islamabad/

China's VP concludes highly successful visit to Pakistan

28-05-2019: China's Vice President Wang Qishan concluded his highly successful visit to Pakistan today (Tuesday). In addition to his call on the President, Vice President Wang Qishan held detailed talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan. Both leaders witnessed signing of a number of agreements and MoUs and inaugurated several key projects. Read More at: http://www.radio.gov.pk/28-05-2019/chinas-vice-president-concludes- highly-successful-visit-to-pakistan

42 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT INSTITUTE OF PEACE AND DIPLOMATIC STUDIES BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH INFORMED DIALOGUE

BRI & CPEC NEWSLETTER

May 2019│Issue 5│ www.ipd.org.pk BRI Highlights CPEC Highlights IPD Proceedings

09-05-2019: Pakistan to get 02-05-2019: Data doesn't advance Technology under 06-05-2019: Institute of Peace support Belt and Road debt CPEC and Diplomatic Studies Center for trap claims Belt and road initiative and China 10-05-2019: Experts review 07-05-2019: Liberia signs up CPEC Trade activities Studies in collaboration with commission on science and for China’s Belt and Road 19-05-2019: Yao Jing calls technology for sustainable Forum Punjab epicenter of CPEC development organized a 15-05-2019: COSCO finalizes phase 2 Seminar on Belt and Road Forum: Deal for $3Billion Peru Port 26-05-2019: Chinese Vice Achievements and Prospects. 19-05-2019: Huang Kunming, President Wang Qishan . Head of the publicity arrives in Pakistan on a three Department of the CPC day Official Visit Central Committee calls for 26-05-2019: Pakistan, China promoting integrated Sign several MoUs in diverse development of Culture and sectors. Tourism 26-05-2019: President 26-05-2019: Belt and Road se confers Nishan-e- Pakistan to transform global economy on Chinese Vice president 26-05-2019: Zimbabwe and

China sign cooperation agreements

To present relevant updated information about the countries and their Diplomatic Missions apart from the International Development Agencies in Pakistan, The Diplomatic Insight Group has Published an Important updated and First of its kind Exclusive Directory in a table-booklet format for 2019

Announcement that you and your enterprise always wanted.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 43 Pakistan to get advanced technology under CPEC: Cheng Xizhong

09-05-2019: Special Economics Zone (SEZ) will enable Pakistan to get foreign capital and advanced technology, said Professor Cheng Xizhong of Southwest University of Political Science and Law. It will also expedite Pakistan towards industrialization and modernization. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/05/09/pakistan-to-get- advanced-technology-under-cpec-cheng-xizhong/

Expert review CPEC Trade Activities

10-05-2019: Experts from Pakistan and China on Thursday reviewed problems related to the volume of traffic and trade activities on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The two sides held a detailed discussion on the issues during signing of minutes of the two-day expert groups meeting on international road transport at the communications ministry. https://www.dawn.com/news/1481360

Yao Jing calls Punjab epicentre of CPEC phase-II

19-05-2019: In a meeting with the Punjab industries minister, industries secretary and Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) CEO on Saturday, the ambassador stressed that Punjab mattered immensely in executing CPEC projects because it enjoyed advantage in every sector. Provincial ministers should focus on allied provinces and take business delegations there to collaborate with them just like Singapore is doing; I will facilitate the delegations,” the ambassador added. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1975797/2-yao-jing-calls-punjab-epicentre-cpec- phase-ii/

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan Arrived In Pakistan on a three day Official Visit

26-05-2019: The visit is in continuation of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which have acquired an increased momentum since Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to China in November 2018 and his participation in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April 2019. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/476629-chinese-vice-president- to-arrive-in-islamabad-today

44 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Pakistan China Sign MoUs in diverse Sectors

26-05-2019: The signing ceremony was held in Islamabad on Sunday which was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Vice Prime Minister Wang Qishan. These MoUs include cooperation in economic and technical affairs, Disaster Management and assistance in agriculture sector of Lasbella University. Meanwhile, the two leaders launched and unveiled the plaques of the four mega development projects in the fields of energy, technology and education under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. http://www.radio.gov.pk/26-05-2019/pakistan-china-sign-several-mous

President confers Nishan-e-Pakistan on Chinese Vice President

26-05-2019: President Dr. Arif Alvi conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan award to visiting Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan in recognition of his services in promoting Pak China relations at an impressive ceremony held at President House on Sunday. Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest civil award that is granted for the highest degree of service to the country and nation of Pakistan. http://www.radio.gov.pk/26-05-2019/president-confers-nishan-e- pakistan-on-chinese-vice-president

Data doesn’t Support Belt and Road Dept Trap Claims

02-05-2019: Accusations of "debt trap diplomacy" levelled at China's Belt and Road plan to offer billions in loans to poor nations for infrastructure have been questioned by new research which shows asset seizures by Beijing are rare. An analysis by New York's Rhodium Group of 40 debt renegotiations made by China across 24 countries found "asset seizures are a very rare occurrence“ https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/data-doesn-t-support-belt-and- road-debt-trap-claims-20190502-p51jhx.html

Liberia signs up for China Belt and Road Initiative

07-05-2019: The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Nathaniel Farlo McGill, who represented government at the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, signed on behalf of the Liberian Government. The signing of the MoU, which took place on the eve of the Forum, was a culmination of the many levels of discussions and efforts that had been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberian Embassy near Beijing as well as between the Presidents of Liberia and the People’s Republic of China. https://thenewdawnliberia.com/liberia-signs-up-for-china-belt-and- road-initiative/

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 45 COSCO Finalizes Deal for $3 Billion Peru Port

15-05-2019: Leading port operator COSCO Shipping Ports has announced that the equity transaction of the project company responsible for its greenfield subsidiary at the Port of Chancay, Peru, is complete. https://www.porttechnology.org/news/cosco_finalizes_deal_for_3_billion_p eru_port#.XN0wiLzeqm1.twitter

Huang Kunming calls for promoting integrated development of culture and tourism.

19-05-2019: Huang Kunming, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, calls for promoting integrated development of culture and tourism. https://twitter.com/chinascio

Belt and Road set to 'transform' global economy

26-05-2019: China's Belt and Road Initiative is likely to boost world GDP by $7.1 trillion annually within the next two decades, involving up to $8 trillion of spending over the next quarter century via global infrastructure and other related projects, according to the latest figures from a major economics report. The initiative is likely to raise global gross domestic product by about 4.2 percent in 2040, or 8.3 percent of GDP this year, with up to 56 countries forecast to have their annual GDP in 2040 boosted by more than $10 billion as a result, the report from the London-based Center for Economics and Business Research consultancy showed. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201905/26/WS5cea60a7a3104842260bdcfd .html

Zimbabwe and China sign cooperation agreements

26-05-2019: Zimbabwe and China sign cooperation agreements on upgrading of a friendship hospital and handover of 800,000 USD cash donation to assist victims of Cyclone Idai. https://twitter.com/XHNews/status/1132687561460207616

46 │ THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT │ 47