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    Pakistan-China Retrospective Exhibition

    Written by: Ismail Umar
    Posted on: October 01, 2014 |

    Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Sun Weidong, Chairman Pakistan-China Institute Senator Mushahid Hussain and Information Secretary Mohammad Azam inaugurate the exhibition

    On 29th September 2014, the Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad hosted a Retrospective Photographic Exhibition commemorating the history of friendship between Pakistan and China. The event was organized by the Cultural Counselor's office of the Chinese Embassy and was attended by H.E. Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Mr. Sun Weidong, Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Secretary of Information Mr. Mohammad Azam, and Cultural Counselor of China, Mr. Zhang Yingbao. The exhibition was a celebration of years of companionship between Pakistan and China and it served to endorse future contact and friendship between the two nations. The photographs presented more than fifty years of socio-cultural exchanges, trade agreements, as well as strategic cooperation in various fields.

    Ambassador Sun Weidong expressed how proud and touched he was to see the photographs displayed at the exhibition, which substantiate the Pakistan-China bond and provide a model for future generations of both countries. He said that the Chinese regard the Pakistanis as their “Iron Brothers”. He further added that China sympathizes with the Pakistanis who have been affected by the recent floods, and assured that China will endeavor to assist them as well as the IDPs. He also stressed on the importance of increasing interaction between think-tanks in both countries, which would encourage socio-cultural interaction and help bring Pakistan and China closer together.

    In his address to the audience, Senator Mushahid Hussain stated that this exhibition demonstrates the resilience of Pak-China friendship. He asserted that this companionship transcends governmental contact and reaches a much deeper, personal level. He explained the importance of culture-to-culture relations, stating that they are necessary for two nations to truly connect with one another.

    Mohammad Azam stated that Pakistan and China have supported each other through and through. He expressed delight over the introduction of the Chinese language in a number of Pakistani schools. He further added that Pakistan enthusiastically awaits the arrival of Chinese president Xi Jinping to Pakistan.

     

    The Chinese Revolution of 1949

    The Chinese Revolution of 1949

    Chairman Mao declares the establishment of the People's Republic of China on 1st October, 1949

    The National Day of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is celebrated every year on October 1st throughout the country with a variety of festivities organized by the Chinese government. These include musical concerts, fireworks, and celebratory decorations in prominent public places such as Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. This is accompanied by the public display of the portraits of renowned leaders such as the Chinese Communist leader and founder of the People’s Republic of China, Chairman Mao Zedong.  

    The Chinese Revolution of 1949

    On October 1st, 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), under Chairman Mao’s leadership, officially declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China after finally defeating the Nationalist Party of Kuomintang (KMT), whose popular support had plummeted due to years of mismanagement and corruption. This was a major, transformative event, not just in Chinese history but for the whole world, and is considered by Marxists as one of the greatest events in human history. Widely recognized as the world’s first communist peasant revolution, it finally brought an end to the full-blown civil war between the Communists and Nationalists which had been ongoing since World War II. The establishment of the PRC also concluded the long-standing process of instability and disorder in China which had been continuing since the Chinese Revolution of 1911.

    The Chinese Revolution of 1949

    China’s shift towards Communism changed the course of global history. The West realized that this would cause a major eastward shift in the global balance of power, since the Soviet Union now had a new powerful eastern ally, enabling them to focus their military power towards the west. Hence this also led to the suspension of diplomatic relations between PRC and the United States for decades, which has had an immense influence on world politics.

    Chairman Mao’s Communist Revolution of China was successful because of the dreadful economic and political conditions that had prevailed in the country prior to the revolution, caused by unjust forms of feudalism. China’s age-old agricultural problems had remained unresolved and it continued to be a semi-feudal, semi-colonial and backward country that was heavily reliant on imperialism. These conditions led to the formation of a reactionary bloc that strove to make a change and was eventually successful in bringing about the Communist Revolution under Chairman Mao in 1949.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021