Pakistan, June 19 -- Over the years, thanks to the nurturing of generations of leaders, and people from all sectors of both countries, Pakistan-China friendship has flourished and witnessed sound and steady growth. No matter how the circumstances have been in the two countries, how the dynamics of the region and the world changed, Pakistan and China have always respected, understood and supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests.

Pakistan acted positively as China's backdoor channel during its years of diplomatic isolation. Pakistan became the bridge between Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong, and frontline in Beijing's strategic struggles with the Soviet Union during the late stages of the Cold War. From China's...