When discussing Pakistan as a neighboring country, it is affectionately referred to by the Chinese people as "BaTie."
Officially, the relationship between China and Pakistan is defined as an "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership," while in Pakistani public sentiment, it is described as a "relationship sweeter than honey."
However, genuine friendships in the world are rarely without reason and certainly not unconditional.
If enduring national friendships exist, they are inevitably based on mutual interdependence and shared interests.
In practical terms, Pakistan's status as "BaTie" was not easily attained.
This is because the Pakistani government and people deeply understand that regardless of international circumstances, only China consistently stands in defense of Pakistan's national interests.
Initially, Pakistan did not fully grasp this concept from the beginning of diplomatic relations.
The true recognition of China as an inseparable staunch ally began historically from the Second Indo-Pakistani War.
Following the partition of India and Pakistan, both countries engaged in intense disputes over the strategically important Kashmir issue.
In 1947, India and Pakistan erupted into the first Indo-Pakistani war, ultimately resulting in the substantial division of the Kashmir region into Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered parts.
Due to both sides' insistence on sovereignty claims and the majority Muslim population in the region, the Kashmir issue remains unresolved to this day, serving as a critical point of contention between the two countries and often sparking large-scale conflicts.
The Second Indo-Pakistani War broke out in 1965, with Pakistan facing inadequate war preparedness and failing to receive significant aid.
The capture of Kashmiri Prime Minister Mohammed Abdullah on May 8, 1965, led to demonstrations in Indian-administered Kashmir, where Pakistan supported Muslim armed groups, triggering an armed uprising.
India swiftly responded, escalating military conflict. On August 14, India crossed the Kashmiri Indo-Pakistani ceasefire line,
occupying Pakistani-controlled Kashmir's outposts, and subsequently engaging in full-scale war.
India even launched attacks on Pakistani territory, placing Pakistan in a multi-front combat dilemma while also needing to defend against East Pakistan (later Bangladesh), which was far from the main theater of war.
Under these circumstances, the Second Indo-Pakistani War erupted formally.
Pakistan realized its insufficient strength when facing India's large-scale offensive and urgently sought external support. At that time, Foreign Minister Bhutto appealed for countries to "support Pakistan according to legal obligations and moral principles."
However, the UK refused assistance due to India being a Commonwealth member, and the US did not meet Pakistan's aid requests, as it did not consider India a defense target.
Pakistan turned to seek support from Muslim countries like Iran, Turkey, and Indonesia. While Iran and Turkey provided some assistance, it was limited in scale.
Indonesia offered verbal support but provided minimal actual aid.
With hopes of external assistance fading, Pakistan pinned its last hopes on China.
The Chinese government made a proactive decision to support Pakistan based on its interests and the international situation.
On September 6, 1965, both the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and the Embassy in India expressed support for Pakistan's anti-Indian actions.
China progressively escalated its aid to Pakistan in stages, first through moral condemnation and diplomatic support, followed by more specific military assistance actions.
During this process, China successfully diverted the attention of the Indian military through military actions in border areas, effectively relieving the pressure on Pakistan during the war.
China's support extended beyond statements and border movements to direct military aid.
China negotiated with Indonesia to transfer the necessary ground equipment and components for aircraft to Pakistan, while actual materials were transported from China to Indonesia before being handed over.
Simultaneously, China pledged to provide Pakistan with a large amount of military equipment, including artillery and tanks.
This aid effectively replenished Pakistan's military losses during the war and enhanced its combat capability.
China's actions sparked concern and tension from the United States and India.
The United States feared Chinese military intervention in the Indo-Pakistani war, which could expand the conflict and affect stability in Asia.
India attempted to gain more US support but ultimately, under UN mediation, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on September 23, 1965, ending the Second Indo-Pakistani War.
In summary, despite being in a passive position during the Second Indo-Pakistani War, Pakistan preserved its territory with robust support from China, avoiding greater losses.
This historical experience deeply impressed upon Pakistan the genuine friendship and support from China during difficult times.
Therefore, the alliance between China and Pakistan has become deeply rooted, developing into an "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership."
Regardless of changes in political situations, China will steadfastly support Pakistan because both countries share a long-term strategic consensus based on substantial interests.
This friendship is different from the fickleness of other countries and is destined to endure.
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