Taking note of China's role in the Global South, Senator Rehman noted “China's policies

*Senator Sherry Rehman Applauds China’s ‘Global Meteoric Rise’ and ‘All-Weather Friendship’ with Pakistan at CPC Event*         

 By Imtiaz Ali Abbasi chief Reporter Islamabad 

Islamabad, 28th August 2024 — Senator Sherry Rehman, in her keynote speech at the "Friends of Silk Road- 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC” event organized by Pakistan China Institute, underscored China's meteoric rise as a ‘global power’, a power that not only influences the world but also profoundly shapes the mindset of nations, particularly in the Global South.

Senator Rehman highlighted the significance of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping global history. "The Third Plenum is singularly crucial in bending history," she remarked, adding that great nations like China project power both within their borders and beyond, through investments in technology, infrastructure, and the people.

She reflected on the deep-rooted and historic relationship between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the CPC, nurtured by the visionary leadership of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and Asif Ali Zardari. "The PPP has the oldest relationship with CPC, curated and nurtured by our leadership," she stated.

Discussing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Senator Rehman lauded China's commitment to the project, calling it a "spectacular opportunity" that has propelled Pakistan onto a historic pathway of development. She emphasized the need to inject fresh momentum into CPEC, which she described as "the jugular vein of investment" for Pakistan.

Senator Rehman applauded China’s strategic use of soft power, which she described as having the potential to reshape global dynamics. "China’s foreign policy is about taking countries and people along the path to progress, fostering cooperation instead of conflict in the 21st Century," she stated, adding that China’s approach is not "muscular," but one of "progressive agency" built through shared goals in economics, IT, and development. 

Taking note of China's role in the Global South, Senator Rehman noted “China's policies connect diverse countries and are defining economic standards not just in the Asia-Pacific region but globally. “

Senator Rehman emphasized the environmental aspects of the project, particularly the Green CPEC Initiative, which aims to decarbonize and green Pakistan’s future. She noted, "The CPC’s Third Plenum placed a premium on pushing green development through carbon reduction, pollution reduction, and improvement of environmental governance systems. China's ambitious climate targets, including achieving peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, demonstrate outstanding leadership for a future that we need to protect and nurture, not just for our region but for the entire world."

Highlighting the Karot Hydropower Project as an example of this vision, Senator Rehman pointed out its significant environmental and economic contributions. "The Karot Hydropower Project is built with modern hydropower technology and will reduce CO₂ emissions by 3.5 million tons annually. Every year, it supplies Pakistan with over 3.2 billion kWh of clean energy, guaranteeing electricity for five million people and creating almost 4,500 decent jobs annually. Projects like these define China’s agency and commitment to sustainable development."

Beyond CPEC, Senator Rehman highlighted China's broader global initiatives that align with Pakistan's goals. She praised China's Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Development Initiative (GDI) as visionary frameworks that emphasize common, comprehensive, and sustainable security and development. "China’s foreign policy, embodied in initiatives like the GSI, GCI and GDI, is about taking countries and people along the path to progress, fostering cooperation over conflict, and promoting win-win outcomes rather than zero-sum games. These initiatives resonate deeply with Pakistan’s aspirations for peace, security, and development in our region."

"China's approach to global partnerships, particularly with countries like Pakistan, is not about asserting power through force, but through progressive agency—building paths through shared goals in economics, technology, and development," Senator Rehman said. She noted China's pivotal role in the Global South, connecting diverse countries on a path to progress and advocating for these cooperative initiatives.

Senator Rehman expressed hope that the outcomes of the Third Plenary Session would continue to strengthen the unbreakable brotherhood and strategic ties between China and Pakistan, yielding fruitful results in the years to come.

In conclusion, she called on all parties to stand together in progress and cooperation, expressing confidence that the CPC’s strategic blueprint for reform and modernization would inject new momentum into the development of Pakistan-China relations.

The event, held at the Pak-China Centre, served as a testament to the enduring and multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and China, rooted in mutual respect, strategic cooperation, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.