It is unfair of the US to force Pakistan to take sides, PM Imran Khan on Pak-China relations

“It is very unfair for the US and other western powers [to ask] countries like us [Pakistan] to take sides, as all states should have good relations with one another,” said Prime Minister Imran Khan in an exclusive interview with Liu Xin of China-state media TV, CGTN. PM Khan said that there was a “strange, great power rivalry” taking place in the region. “You see the United States being wary of China. The way United States and China are looking at each other, it creates problems.”

PM Khan asked: “Why do we have to take sides?

PM further added that Pakistan and China enjoy a “very special relationship” spanning over 70 years and nothing could change this.

"Pakistan & China enjoy a very special relationship spanning over 70 years & nothing could change these time-tested ties. The relationship between the two countries 🇵🇰🇨🇳 will sustain all pressures,"

PM @ImranKhanPTI in an Interview @LiuXininBeijing.

pic.twitter.com/ExQZKJJziD

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 30, 2021

PM Khan stressed that no matter what happens, no matter what pressure is put on Pakistan, the relationship between the two countries would remain the same. He said that when Pakistan had been in trouble politically, internationally, or had conflicts with its neighbour, China always stood by it.

The people of China have a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis, he said, adding: “You remember friends who stand with you at all times. In good times, everyone stands with you, but in difficult, tough, and bad times, you remember those people who stood by you.”

He said the people of Pakistan have that kind of fondness for the people of China.

“So, from that point of view, Pakistan thinks that it is very unfair of the US and other Western powers [to make] countries like Pakistan take sides. Why should we take sides? We should have good relations with everyone,” he maintained.

The prime minister categorically said that Pakistan cannot be pressurised into downgrading its ties with China.