Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will commence a high-level visit to China from July 6 during which the two countries will firm up a deal for supply of two new nuclear reactors to Islamabad.
Announcing the visit of Mr Zardari, which comes close on the heels of a tour of China by Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang defended the nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
But, parried questions relating to China’s plans to build nuclear reactors saying the move was not aimed at any third country. The announcement of the Pakistan’s President visit here comes as US has asked China to clarify the details of the nuclear reactor deal between the two countries. Mr Zardari would arrive on a state visit to China from July 6-11, during which the two countries would firm up their strategic cooperation including the proposed two nuclear power reactors Beijing plans to build for its all weather friend.
“The civilian nuclear energy cooperation is bilateral and mutually beneficial and it is only between the two countries and not targeting a third country,” Mr Qin said, dismissing a question about India’s concerns over China’s plans to build 650 mw reactors at Chashma in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
“During Zardari’s visit the two sides will exchange view on further promoting friendly cooperation in various areas,” he said. China would “warmly welcome” Pakistan President and look to deepen the strategic cooperation. During his visit, Mr Zardari would hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao. He would meet Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Jia Qinglin, politbureau standing committee member of the Chinese Communist Party, central committee, Mr Qin said.
The two sides will exchange views on concerning bilateral relations, promoting “pragmatic cooperation” in various fields as well as well issues of common interest. “We hope this visit will further promote China Pakistan strategic partnership and cooperation,” he said.
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US asks for pact details
Washington, June 29: Not satisfied with the Chinese clarifications on its nuclear deal with Pakistan, the US said it has sought more inf-ormation from Beijing ab-out the supply of two more atomic power plants to Islamabad. “We as a first step are looking for more information from China as to what it is potentially proposing,” state department spokesman P.J. Crowley said. He was responding to a query on last week’s mee-ting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, wherein China informed the group about its decision to supply two additional nuclear power plants to Pakistan. —PTI