Who, Me, Worry?

The US also suspects technological collaboration in the field of ballistic missile development between the two neighbours, an issue the Americans frequently raise. Both China and Pakistan have strongly refuted that they have violated the Missile Technology Control Regime.

"It is not only the US but India too that is uncomfortable with this defence cooperation," says Rasul Bakhsh Rais, professor of political science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. "India believes that technologies and materials from China have greatly assisted Pakistan in developing its nuclear and missile capability. What pressure and influence can India bring on China to downgrade its traditionally close relationship with Pakistan? At the moment, India has no levers to change the basic structure of the relationship." No one put it better than Hu: "Pakistan and China's relationship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the Indian Ocean and sweeter than honey."

The sweeter-than-honey bit showed in the 18 agreements China and Pakistan signed. Pride of place went to the Free Trade Area agreement and the five-year economic cooperation plan, which could see bilateral trade rise to $15 billion in the coming years from the current levels.

Says former foreign secretary Shamshad Ahmad, "Our relations aren't based on expediencies or transient interests, and is above personalities or any changes in the domestic or international situation. From the Karakoram Highway reviving and revitalising the old silk route to the newly completed Gwadar port, a whole string of industrial plants, factories, electrical and mechanical complexes, power producing units—including N-power plants—stand testimony to the Pakistan-China cooperation and China's vital contribution to the economic development of our country."

Going by this, the China-Pak relationship would seem rock-solid. But how comfortable is Beijing about America's hold over Musharraf? Says research scholar Musa Khan Jalalzai, "Beijing has reason for keeping close tabs on the growing US influence in Pakistan. A major reason, of course, is the overwhelming US domination and interference in Pakistan's management to the extent that Islamabad's claim to independence has become a glorified myth."

So, where does Islamabad go from here? "The changing geopolitical contours have a space for Pakistan as a medium-sized military power which would benefit from the situation even more if it were to develop economically and put its house in order in terms of realigning its geopolitical priorities," saysSiddiqi. "The policy regarding militants and militancy would certainly have to be reassessed if Islamabad intends to get on board the Asian bandwagon." Well said. Is anyone listening?