***There is a view that Kosovo war might have an impact on China's attitude towards the right of self-determination by the Kashmiris in the disputed territory. China’s response to Kashn^ir dispute appears to be guided by its own perspective of the likely situation in Tibet and

Taiwan and Pakistan needs to acknowledge this fact.***

Pakistan Prime Minister's brief visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart signalled to others the manifestation of the close bilateral ties between the two countries. This is more so when Pakistan is fighting a low-key local war with India in Kash-

China's relation with Pakistan has always been friendly and mutually beneficial to their strategic interests in the background of India's attempt to dominate the South Asian region. It is acknowledged that it is in the interests of both Pakistan and China to restrain the influence of India in this region.

To both the countries it makes political and strategic sense that no one country should dominate this region. In geo-political strategy it is desirable to maintain a balance of power in the region. Pakistan played this role with the assistance of external powers to balance India's military power.

Pakistan never accepted India's military superiority, partly because of the Kashmir territorial dispute. Furthermore there is a perception in Pakistan that India's assistance in the birth of Bangladesh was to weaken Pakistan vis-a-vis India. After 1971. Pakistan appears to have become more alert and sensitive to ensure that India does not become militarily superior to Pakistan. Tit

for tat nuclear response from Pakistan attests to this military balance.

Since the Kashmir flare-up from May last, China, Pakistan’s traditional ally, appeared to have kept, neutral position and issued statements to exercise restraint for both sides. China's position appears to be disappointing for Pakistan. Pakistan wanted vigorous and robust support from China on this vital issue at this point of time.

China did not call for a Security Council meeting at the UN to discuss the Kashmir situation which potentially threatens peace and security in the region. Instead. China . ap-Kars to listen to the story of th sides and the visits of both India's and Pakistan's Foreign Ministers to China are instances in point. Some political analysts believe that China must be relishing this listening role from both India and Pakistan.

A question arises as to why is China behaving this way when its traditional ally Pakistan needs its support ?

China appears to look at the Kashmir issue from its own perspective. The core issue in the Kashmir dispute is the right of the exercise of self-determination by the Kashmiris to decide the final status of the territory. Although the exercise of self-determination is a funda-

mental right enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, many countries interpret it otherwise and perceive it as a cause for disintegration of , the national unity and cohesion. There is a view in some countries that under the guise of self-determination, new national borders are created within the existing established boundaries and the right of the exercise of self-determination could trigger instability in a country. Kosovo is an instance.

Many political analysts believe that China appears to be . uncomfortable with the issue o£-the exercise of right of self-de-' , termination by the Kasmiris an the disputed territory.' There is a lurking fear that if it is accepted in Kashmir, then it could be applicable to the people in Taiwan and Tibet. This appears to be China's concern in the Kashmir issue and could be the reason for its being cool and neutral in the present Kashmir situation.

Another reason could be that China wishes to mend its relations with India. China realises that in the next century India and China have to face the might of the US in a unipolar world. Both have common strategic interests to reduce the influence of the superpower . the US. in Asia and if China and India come to an understanding on each other's role in Asia, it will be beneficial to

both of them.

After NATO's attack on Yugoslavia. no country could be certain to what extent the leaders of a countiy could do or take actions with their nationals in respect of their human rights within the national boundaries. The barrier of domestic jurisdiction appears to have withered away under the new international norms of humanitarian laws. . A new world order seems to emerge in which the concept of "just war" is incorporated.

China's opposition to NA-XTO’s war against Yugoslavia appears to rest oq the emergence ' of the new world order. There is a suspicion that any action by China against the wishes of Tibetan and Taiwanese people could provoke a war-like response from the West and this trend . to many countries, appears to be uncomfortable and goes against the sovereignty of a nation.

There is a view that Kosovo war might have an impact on China’s attitude towards the right of self-determination by the Kashmiris in the disputed territory. China's response to Kashmir dispute appears to be guided by its own perspective of the likely situation in Tibet and Taiwan and Pakistan needs to acknowledge this fact.

The writer, a Barrister, is former Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN. Geneva.