Over
the years the China-Pakistan relationship has become a virtual constant in foreign
policy matters pertaining to South Asia. Yet it is a relationship about which
little is known. That is partly by design – the two nations like to keep the
exact nature of the relationship out of the spotlight – but also because few
experts have taken the time to dissect it.
 |
| Source: Wikipedia |
The China – Pakistan Axis by Andrew Small is a worthy attempt
to shine light on the longstanding linkages between the two nations.
The
book chronicles the development of the relationship over the decades since the
1960s in a changing geopolitical environment. Indeed, the author brackets the
relationship into easy to understand ‘bite size’ segments based on underlying
themes during particular periods.
By
the end of Small’s work, the reader has a good understanding of the main tenets
of the Pak – China relationship. Nonetheless, the book is at best an
introduction and not an in depth analysis. To be sure, it is an entertaining
and worthy introduction.
However,
the subject warrants more detailed analyses including in individual aspects of the
China – Pakistan relationship, e.g. foreign policy coordination; counter terror
cooperation especially with regard to Uygur separatism; economic cooperation;
and even military industrial production.
One
hopes Small’s book will be the first in a series – by different authors - on what
is until now an enigmatic relationship between two very different nations.
__________________
Imran is a Singapore based Tour Guide with a special interest in
arts and history. Imran has lived and worked in several countries during his
past career as an international banker. He enjoys traveling, especially by
train, as a way to feed his curiosity about the world and nurture his interest
in photography. He
is available on Instagram (@imran_traveller); twitter (@grandmoofti) and can be
contacted at imran.ahmed.sg@gmail.com.
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