Another nuclear power plant bringing Pakistan close to India border, China gave $ 4.8 billion

Pakistan, which is struggling with poverty, has taken steps toward setting up another nuclear power plant with Chinese cooperation. The MoU for the Chashma 5 (C-5) nuclear power project was signed between the two countries in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This nuclear power plant with a cost of $ 4.8 billion and a capacity of 1200 MW will be the fifth phase of the Chashma Nuclear Power Project in Mianwali district of Punjab. This place is not far away from the border of India. The special thing about this project is that it is going to be the costliest nuclear project in Pakistan. It is clear from the words in which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed China's 'favour' for bringing this project to Pakistan in difficult times, that this project has cleared the way for Pakistan to get financial help from China.

Significantly, the discussion on this project C-5 started in 2016-17, but later it went into cold storage. However, PM Sharif said on the occasion of signing the MoU, it is hoped that the work on this project will be started without any delay.

Addressing the ceremony, the premier said the $4.8 billion investment from China sent a 'loud and clear' message that Chinese companies and investors in Pakistan continue to show their confidence. He said, 'Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the deep ocean, sweeter than sugar and honey, and stronger than iron and steel.' Sharif said that President Jinping has addressed the partnership between Pakistan and China as Iron Brothers.

Sharif said that despite Pakistan fulfilling all the terms and conditions of the ninth review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there has been a huge delay in disbursing the loan to us. In these difficult times, China has once again come to our aid and rescue. Sharif said this is friendship. Whatever is useful for us. Sharif said that he was short of words to express his gratitude for this help from China.

We are very grateful to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leadership, and the Chinese Finance Minister, he said. On this occasion, Wang Yangyi, Chairman of 'China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Limited', and Pang Chunxui, in charge of Chinese affairs were also present on behalf of China.

Pakistan currently has six operational nuclear power projects. Two of these K-2 and K-3 are present near Karachi. Pakistan had got the cooperation of France in their development. While four C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 are located in the Chashma area of the Mianwali district of Punjab. All these are made with the cooperation of China. In this way, C-5 is the seventh nuclear power project of Pakistan.

The agreement of this big nuclear deal between Pakistan and China has been announced when the partnership between the world's two largest democratic countries and India and America is touching new dimensions. India's PM Narendra Modi is on a state visit to America and during this time the historic defense deal between the two countries is believed to be certain. During that time, this nuclear agreement between China and Pakistan, more or less ruled by the army, gives many important messages in itself. Significantly, on Wednesday itself, US President Joe Biden addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping as a dictator.

The world witnessed a major Cuban crisis in 1962. It seems that the same situation is going to arise again after about 61 years. According to a report in the American newspaper Wall Street General, China and Cuba are discussing a new joint military base about 160 km from the US. The newspaper has published this report quoting some American officials. On the other hand, China has denied this news.