ISLAMABAD -- As the United States and China were trying to resolve their standoff over the downing of a Chinese plane and the subsequent landing of a U.S. surveillance aircraft on Hainan Island, Pakistan was preparing to welcome Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.
Rongji's visit marked another important milestone in China's relations with Pakistan. It was just a coincidence that China and Pakistan's effort to rekindle old ties took place as Washington and Beijing were trying to manage yet another crisis in their relationship.
Pakistan's relationship with China has evolved since the days of the Cold War, when Islamabad positioned itself as a key Western ally while building a committed friendship with communist China. Although the days of the Cold War are gone and China's commitment to communism has faded, the relationship continues based on strategic interests.