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Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meetings in Islamabad are planned to largely focus on broadening deep economic relations, but Pakistani officials say civilian and military leaders will also brief him on the progress in counter-militancy operations and efforts to promote peace in neighboring Afghanistan. China’s billions of dollars in development projects are likely to gain headlines during Xi’s visit, but those plans are only half of a strategy aimed at simultaneously improving the region’s security issues along with its economy. Pakistan’s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan have long harbored militant and terrorist groups that threaten the world, and China too sees pacifying this region as key to its own security. Chinese security interests Advisor on national security and foreign policy Sartaj Aziz, tells VOA Pakistan’s ongoing military operation, known as Zarb-e-Azb, has had successes against militants threatening Chinese interests. “They are obviously very worried about the growth of terrorism in this region which overflows into the adjoining Chinese provinces. So, Pakistan and China have been cooperating in that sense and our [military] operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan was an important step in destroying the infrastructure [of terrorism] that was there. But some of this [terrorism] activity flows into Afghanistan. So, unless Pakistan, China and Afghanistan all cooperate in this counterterrorism effort, obviously, the problem would not be solved.” Beijing believes the tribal areas have provided a crucial haven and training ground for the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). ETIM launched violent attacks over the past two years that Chinese officials say have killed hundreds of people. Pakistan army officials say the Waziristan army offensive has killed hundreds of militants, including some linked to ETIM, but have released few details. Afghanistan also has handed over more than a dozen anti-China militants it captured on its soil in recent months. But although China blames Xinjiang separatists for violent attacks at home, critics say China’s harsh crackdown on Islamic practices and the economic marginalization of the ethnic minority Uighur Muslims are the major causes of Xinjiang’s unrest. In some parts of Xinjiang, Chinese authorities have banned Islamic dress such as veils in public. Last month, a United Nations official called the crackdown against Uighurs’ a “major problem.” However, that has not led to protests in Pakistan where Islamist parties often take to the streets against Western nations, blaming them for anti-Islam policies. Beijing engagement In fact, both the Afghan and Pakistani governments have welcomed Beijing’s engagement in the region, especially at a time when the bulk of the U.S.-led international forces are withdrawing from Afghanistan and foreign assistance declines. Chinese authorities fear that following the withdrawal, economic stagnation in both Pakistan and Afghanistan could impact Xinjiang’s security. Pakistan’s National Security adviser Aziz emphasized the need for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to better manage their 2400-kilometer mostly porous border to prevent terrorists, including those linked to groups such Islamic State from settling down in this region. Beijing has refused Kabul’s request to open the narrow Wakhan Pass that connects the two countries, fearing it will fuel unrest in Xinjiang. Along the Pakistani border, tour operators have lately complained that under Chinese pressure, no cross-border movement is allowed on Sundays and Saturdays at the Sust border post, which links Pakistan with Xinjiang. “Our cooperation with Afghanistan on trans-border activities and coordinated intelligence-based operations on both sides, which have been taking place in the last two, three months, are very critical to stabilize this border," said Aziz. "In this way, if we succeed in these efforts of better border management and not allowing terrorists any space here then of course it will also help the Chinese effort to stem this menace coming from this side of the border.” Afghan peace process China’s involvement in the Afghan peace process is also increasing. Beijing and Kabul hosted a conference of regional countries on how to end the Afghan conflict and called on the Taliban to join a national reconciliation process. Chinese officials also secretly hosted at least two rounds of talks with Taliban officials late last year but neither side has offered any details. Days before President Xi’s visit to Pakistan, Beijing’s Ambassador to Islamabad Sun Weidong told VOA China would continue its role. “We hope that Afghanistan enjoy peace, stability and prosperity, and we would like to support a reconciliation process of Afghan-led and Afghan owned. So, that means that we respect their sovereignty and territorial integrity and we respect and support the wishes of Afghan people for peace and stability and as a neighbor of Afghanistan, China enjoys good relations with Afghanistan and we are ready to also support such a process in the future,” said Sun Weidong. Key Taliban leaders are believed to be sheltering in Pakistan and Afghan officials hope China is better placed to use its influence to persuade Islamabad to encourage the insurgent group to engage in peace talks with Kabul. Pakistani officials, however, insist they are not allowing their soil to be used for violence against Afghanistan or another country. Last week, Pakistan’s military for the first time in its history invited the visiting Afghan military chief to attend and address a graduation ceremony of army cadets at Pakistan’s premier military academy in Abbottabad. Analysts viewed the move as a strong message that two institutions that have long been mistrustful of each other are forging a closer relationship.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Qafk7n

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Monday, April 20, 2015

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