Pakistan, March 22 -- China and Pakistan have had a close-knit and mutually beneficial partnership since they established diplomatic relations in 1951. Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1950, and during Beijing's isolation from the world in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Pakistan remained a dependable friend. China has long been a major source of military, economic, and technological support for Pakistan, particularly the transfer of equipment and sensitive nuclear technologies. According to some observers, Pakistan will eventually push for even deeper ties with China, its longstanding strategic security partner, because of the United States developing stronger links with Delhi. Others cl...