Speaking at an event, the Chinese ambassador said that initially there was some criticism and concern about the project in Pakistan, while adding, “I think it is natural because it is a new initiative between China and Pakistan which started only five years ago.”
He said that both the countries are currently in a position to further improve the project and make CPEC more successful through sharing of information and ensuring constant communication.
He also said that assessing the benefits of the project would take some time. “But the Chinese government is very satisfied with the direction of the project in light of the vision of the new Pakistani government,” he added.
“Now we are moving towards broad and more expanded areas of cooperation in the shape of private and people-to-people cooperation. Therefore, we believe that CPEC would bring many benefits to the people and the society at large,” Ambassador Jing said.
Further, Jing said that expanding cooperation and understanding would ensure that the project becomes a success in the long run. “Support from within and outside of Pakistan for CPEC would be consolidated further with time,” he added.
Speaking in connection to the level of preparedness of the PTI government to handle such a big project, Ying said that the new government had come into power more than a year ago and during this time the Chinese government has been connecting with them. “I think the present government is prepared to move forward with the project,” he added.
He also said, “Frankly speaking, the CPEC is an economic and infrastructure project. It is not entirely related to political parties in both the countries but is purely a nation-to-nation initiative.”
Replying to a query in connection with US-Taliban peace dialogue, the ambassador said, “We feel a little surprised and a little disappointed on the sudden suspension of talks between the US and the Taliban.”
He said that a Taliban delegation recently visited China and the Chinese government has been making efforts to help them understand that it is in the best interest of all parties to resume the peace talks, while adding, “Holding peace talks is the only political solution to Afghanistan’s problem.”
“We hope that both sides resume talks in the near future for the sake of overall peace in Afghanistan and the region,” the ambassador concluded.