China and Pakistan have always supported each other. Shortly after a massive earthquake jolted Wenchuan, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, on May 12, 2008, both the Pakistani president and prime minister paid their condolences at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. Though the country was financially strapped, Pakistan donated more than 30,000 tents. It also sent medical workers to the earthquake-hit areas.

Since the beginning of this year, China has been struck by a number of natural disasters, including an earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai Province, landslides in Zhouqu, Gansu Province, droughts in the south and floods in the northeast. Despite its domestic needs, China provided timely support to Pakistan without any conditions attached. This fully reflected the all-weather friendship between the two countries.

Both governments emphasize the fact that this type of friendship is rooted in the hearts of the Chinese and Pakistani people. It benefits both nations and has stood the test of time.

The friendship is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence—mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

China respects Pakistan's independence and supports the country's efforts to maintain its sovereignty and develop its economy, but never interferes with its domestic affairs.

Over the past five decades, the Chinese people and the Chinese Government have offered all the economic assistance they could provide, and have also received precious assistance from Pakistan.

Pakistan supports China on issues concerning China's core interests, such as Taiwan, Tibet, human rights, and combating "East Turkistan Islamic Movement" terrorists. Mutual respect, trust, equality and cooperation are crucial to the development of the two countries' relationship.

The post-disaster outlook

The Pakistani Government will soon face the pressing problem of reconstruction—a task that will have a great bearing on the country's future stability and development.

It is predicted that Pakistan has to spend at least five years in reconstruction before it recovers to pre-flood levels. The Pakistani Government has already called for reconstruction assistance from the UN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and some countries, including China.

Pakistan is in dire need of China's personnel, technology and equipment for the reconstruction of roads, bridges, houses, and telecommunications and power supply facilities. Chinese companies are in an advantageous position to assist with Pakistan's reconstruction, as they are familiar with the infrastructure conditions in the country. The two sides also have conducted extensive agricultural cooperation, in high-yielding wheat, rice and oilseeds.

Currently, more than 120 Chinese-funded companies with 13,000 Chinese employees are working in Pakistan. It is likely more will pour into the country when post-disaster reconstruction starts.

In the future, the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan is poised to become more solid and stable. With this in mind, the leaders of the two countries should maintain close contact. At the same time, the two sides should make plans for and effectively implement cooperative projects in various fields, while consulting regularly to address major concerns. They should also continue to work together to boost bilateral commercial and cultural ties and to cope with global issues.

Since both are committed to cementing friendly bonds, China and Pakistan are destined to forge ahead with their "strategic cooperative partnership." Such a partnership will not only benefit the two nations, but also contribute to peace, stability and development in South Asia and beyond.

The author is a researcher of South Asian studies with the China Institute of International Studies