On the complex chessboard of international relations, cooperation and confrontation between countries constitute a constantly changing strategic map.
Among them, China's relations with Pakistan and North Korea have their own characteristics, reflecting deep geopolitical logic.
Why did China choose to strengthen its cooperation with Pakistan while keeping its distance from North Korea?
The military cooperation between China and Pakistan is rooted in the common consideration of the regional security environment.
In 2023, China's military equipment to Pakistan included advanced JF-17 fighter jets and a variety of missile systems. It is designed to help Pakistan improve its defense capabilities against potential regional threats, particularly from India.
This move is not intended to challenge the existing international order, but to maintain the strategic balance in South Asia and prevent the hegemony of any single country.
China's military support for North Korea is more limited. North Korea's nuclear and missile programs have attracted widespread attention from the international community and pose a challenge to China's regional security strategy.
China is committed to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through peaceful dialogue and opposes any form of military expansion and provocation. This attitude reflects China's responsible position on maintaining regional stability and curbing nuclear proliferation.
In the economic field, the CPEC project is a model of cooperation between China and Pakistan.
In 2023, the project has already brought billions of dollars in investment to Pakistan and created thousands of jobs. This has improved Pakistan's infrastructure and energy situation, and has also contributed to the country's economic diversification.
In this process, China has followed the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results, promoted regional economic integration, and contributed to the construction of a stable and prosperous regional environment.
China's economic support for North Korea is limited by international sanctions. North Korea's nuclear policy has led to the international community imposing severe economic sanctions on it, and China is bound by these sanctions while complying with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
China's support for North Korea is mainly focused on humanitarian aid, food and medical support, which is limited and cannot fundamentally change North Korea's economic woes.
Exchange and cooperation at the cultural level are equally important for the deepening of relations between countries.
The cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of culture reflects the respect and tolerance of both sides for multiculturalism. From the establishment of Confucius Institutes to the promotion of cooperation, these activities have enhanced understanding and friendship between the two peoples and laid the foundation for broader cooperation.
Cooperation between China and the DPRK in cultural exchanges is relatively limited. North Korea's closed policy restricts its cultural exchanges with the outside world, and China respects North Korea's national policy and maintains a certain distance in cultural exchanges.
This situation reflects China's diplomatic flexibility and ability to adapt to different national situations.
China's comprehensive cooperation with Pakistan and its cautious approach to North Korea are based on the principles of balance and responsibility in China's foreign policy.
The differentiated cooperation strategy in the military, economic and cultural fields demonstrates China's diplomatic wisdom and strategic considerations as a responsible major country.
This diplomatic strategy aims to maintain regional peace and stability and promote common development, and also demonstrates China's influence and strategic thinking in the international arena.