President Zardari heads to China

President Asif Ali Zardari flies to China. Seeking economic investment and support for his country as its ties with the United States come under increasing strain.

Pakistan is one of China’s closest allies in Asia, with Beijing seeing the country as a counter-balance to India.

Though the four-day visit is Zardari’s first state visit since he assumed office in September, he met US President George W. Bush in New York late last month for the UN General Assembly.

China, described by Pakistan as its “all-weather friend,” has boosted its economic interests in the country, funding major infrastructure, engineering and mining projects including a deep sea port at Gwadar in the southwest.

“This is the first official bilateral visit of President Asif Ali Zardari abroad, and is to a country with which we have always enjoyed a high degree of understanding, trust and goodwill,” the foreign ministry said.

The Beijing government has said it hopes Zardari’s visit will “deepen the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.”

Other topics for discussion are likely to include the fate of two Chinese telecoms engineers kidnapped by pro-Taliban militants six weeks ago near the Afghan border.