“Adding a new element to tensions, Pakistan’s ally China said it was “deeply shocked” by the incident and expressed “strong concern for the victims and profound condolences for Pakistan.”
“China believes that Pakistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected and the incident should be thoroughly investigated and be handled properly,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement on the ministry’s website.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45461462/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/#.TtQT37JFunD
China and Pakistan have a long-standing relationship, which has grown until the ties are deep, wide and strong. China is Pakistan’s largest arms supplier, for instance. None of this is new, and I wasn’t aware of it. The options of the US seem to be much more limited. After all, as neighbors China has a more legitimate reason to be interested in Pakistan than the US, and could bring much, much more pressure to bear on Pakistan. If the Chinese start to feel threatened by the US involvement with Pakistan matters could go to hell in a hurry.
“Bilateral relations have evolved from an initial Chinese policy of neutrality to a partnership that links a smaller but militarily powerful Pakistan, partially dependent on China for its economic and military strength, with China attempting to balance competing interests in the region. Diplomatic relations were established in 1950, military assistance began in 1966, a strategic alliance was formed in 1972 and economic co-operation began in 1979. China has become Pakistan’s largest supplier of arms and its third-largest trading partner.[6][7] Recently, both nations have decided to cooperate in improving Pakistan’s civilian nuclear program.[8]
“Favorable relations with China is a pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. China supported Pakistan’s opposition to the Soviet Union‘s intervention in Afghanistan and is perceived by Pakistan as a regional counterweight to NATO and the United States. China and Pakistan also share close military relations, with China supplying a range of modern armaments to the Pakistani defense forces. China supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir while Pakistan supports China on the issues of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan. Lately, military cooperation has deepened with joint projects producing armaments ranging from fighter jets to guided missile frigates.
“Chinese cooperation with Pakistan has reached economic high points, with substantial Chinese investment in Pakistani infrastructural expansion including the Pakistani deep water port at Gwadar. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement. Pakistan has served as China’s main bridge between Muslim countries.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People’s_Republic_of_China%E2%80%93Pakistan_relations