ISLAMABAD (updated on: 2010-12-14 11:51:05 PST):
Dr. Shaheen Akhtar, Anaylst and Senior Research Fellow in Institute of Regional Studies has said that Pakistan and China are natural allies and enjoying close defence and economic ties.
Talking to Radio Pakistan she highlighted the importance of Wen Jiabao's visit to Pakistan and said that the visit is aimed at boosting ties in trade, energy and investment sectors. China has expressed keen interest in solar, hydel and nuclear energy sectors to address Pakistan's energy crises, she added.
She said that the visit is also aimed at developing an energy corridor linking Gwadar and China through a highway and also through fiber optics. China is expending its role as observer and economic player in region and it is investing in Afghanistan also.
Dr Shaheen Akhtar said China wants stability in region and peace in two regional nuclear powers; India and Pakistan. Pakistan has become a very critical element in the region viewing the US interests in the region and its close relations with China. In this situation China has become a soft balancing power too.
She said President Zardari's continuous visits to China were aimed at economic ties and cooperation. China and Pakistan are developing strategic partnership keeping the IAEA safeguards in view and in the backdrop of US-India nuclear deal, she added.
Dr Shaheen Akhtar said that there are positive prospects of increasing bilateral trade between the two countries.



