China apparently taken aback by the finalization of Indo-US nuclear deal is now discussing with Pakistan to enter into an agreement similar to the one on the civilian nuclear cooperation to maintain the regional security balance. Even as the two old allies discuss a nuclear deal, China’s reservations over the Indo-US deal and the boundary issue may be clouding the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s maiden visit to Beijing, which is likely to take place towards the end of the year.
Pakistan has pleaded with China at the highest level not to let it down in the nuclear balance with India and Beijing is apparently working out a nuclear deal with Islamabad in case the Indo-US nuclear agreement is okayed by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Beijing is also hoping that the opposition within India itself will wreck the Indo-US nuclear deal.
China has also supported Pakistan’s membership in Asia-Pacific’s top security forum, however the approval has been blocked by India. Beijing says Islamabad’s inclusion in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) would allow the group to better exert its role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
However the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) has agreed this week to lift a freeze on ARF membership to include Pakistan in the 23 members grouping which also comprises the United States and Russia.