China and beyond

China's 14th Five-Year Plan is grounded in reality and inherited from the past. It is vitally important not only for China's new path towards the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country, but also associated with the prosperity and stability of the world, which attracted the attention of the whole world.

This process was not interrupted by COIV-19. Continuity is a characteristic feature of the Fourteenth Five-Year Plan. It is the link between the past and the future, and it aims to further advance the policy of reform, opening up and globalization.At present, global economic development is slowing down, uncertainty is increasing, the trend of globalization may be reversed, and the international division of labor has undergone major changes.China has become an economic power and an important geopolitical force that can play an important role and make an important contribution. China not only has great potential for developing its own economy, but is also expected to contribute to the global economy.

In this regard, I interviewed prof. Ingres. Zamir Ahmed Awan is from Pakistan and interviewed him from an international perspective to learn about his views and opinions on new content related to China's 14th Five Year Plan. Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).

- Mr. Zamir, how you see the development of Pakistan-China relations? What done well, and is there any problem?

China and Pakistan are two sovereign countries with different political systems, cultures, and religions, yet good friends, good neighbors, and nations of shared destiny. China-Pakistan shares, mountains, rivers, glaciers, borders, and fate!
China-Pakistan relations are based on equality, mutual benefits, mutual respect, and shared goals of Peace, Stability, and Prosperity.

China-Pakistan enjoys ideal relations and is often cited as a role model in International Relations.

Our political and diplomatic are excellent and share identical views on almost all global and regional issues. Recently, after the launch of the Chinese mega initiatives of Belt and Road (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is flourishing and emerged as a mega achievement of economic collaboration between the two nations. There is no dispute between the two nations on any issue. In fact, Pakistan is the only country having a common border with China, but never had any dispute or difference since the beginning. In contrast, all other neighbors had ups and downs in relations with China.

- Is it possible for China to adopt the same one country, two systems for the Taiwan government? What is your opinion on one country, two systems?

When China initiated dialogue with Britain regarding taking sovereignty over Hong Kong in the 1980s, the economic disparity, lifestyle, and culture between China's mainland and Hong Kong was huge. Indeed, Hong Kong was much more developed and prosperous as compared to mainland China. It was not possible to satisfy Hong Kong residents if they treated them just like the Chinese on the mainland. The Visionary leader Deng Xiao Ping innovated the theory of One country Two systems to keep the ststuus of Hong Kong unchanged and sustain people's Prosperity in Hong Kong.

The same was valid for Macao, and China offered the same approach to Taiwan for peaceful reunification. One Country Two systems was an ideal solution for the reunification of Taiwan and China, it will ensure the current status, developments, and Prosperity, remain unchanged.

I emphasized that the Hong Kong issue is too delicate and sensitive to China. If handled adequately, it may support the peaceful reunification of Taiwan. If mishandled, the Taiwan issue may become more complicated.
The Chinese leadership is well aware of all aspects of Hong Kong and its repercussions and trying its best to handle them appropriately.

If China accepts the external interference in Hong Kong and bows down the foreign pressure, it will bounce back to mainland China a rebellion message and spread unrest among Chinese in the mainland.

On the other hand, China has emerged as a global economic and geopolitical power. It understands its international commitments and obligations. So, China is implementing One Country Two Systems, in true spirit. China cares a lot about its global reputation. China does not wish to damage its international image.

The 14th five-year plan has been drafted very wisely to address all such concerns, and China will succeed in maintaining its sovereignty over Hong Kong and yet will not change to the current status of Hong Kong and its well-known Prosperity. China will not allow any foreign interference in its domestic issue. In fact, China has grown and became mature enough not to be coerced. China has surpassed the stage where any other nation can pressure China.