Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a state visit to Pakistan today, before he heads to Indonesia to attend the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. It is reported that a series of agreements over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will be inked during Xi's visit this time, while implementing these projects will be the "sweet melody of the first movement in the 'One Belt and One Road'" symphony, according to China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Xi's state visit to Pakistan will therefore create a long-term impact, and the demonstrative effect of this "all-weather friendship" between China and Pakistan will embody greater value. Pakistan has been widely described as China's "iron brother," the model and meaning of which differs from many well-known bilateral relations. Thus, Sino-Pakistan ties might be unique in global terms.

There is a relatively big gap in terms of comprehensive national strength between China and Pakistan, but compared with US bilateral relations with Japan, South Korea or the Philippines, Pakistan's characteristic independence means its relationship to China is that of an equal partnership. Pakistan has maintained its strong independence while keeping close ties with China. Neither Pakistan's diplomacy nor its internal affairs is subject to China's influence.

Pakistan is no "little brother" to China and under no circumstances will it be manipulated to fight in China's favor. Beijing has never pushed Islamabad to do anything with its geopolitical position, nor has China tried to turn it into a Chinese geopolitical outpost. Every single cooperation between China and Pakistan is in line with mutual benefits and win-win principles.

Furthermore, the future "One belt and One Road" development will be modeled on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China will commit $46 billion before 2030 to numerous projects in Pakistan, including the construction of roads, railways, pipelines, fiber optic cables, power facilities and economic development zones.

Such large-scale investment will provide Pakistan with the opportunity of massive reconstruction, and the new vigor it could inject to Pakistani economy will be enormous.

Of course, both countries will be tested in developing the corridor. For Islamabad, the priority for getting rid of political turmoil and progressing toward economic revitalization is to consolidate peace in the country. And for Beijing, the whole world will witness the actual development of this corridor, and it will prove to be a process from which the trust of other nations on the "One Belt and One Road" initiative can be gained.

As China's "iron brother," Pakistan should not be filled with unrest and poverty. It should be peaceful, well-off and get back on the path toward becoming a strong and prosperous nation. In that case, the magnificent Sino-Pakistan friendship will become an inspiring story worldwide and will be told for generations. To realize Pakistan's turning point in economic and social development, "One Belt and One Road" will provide much needed help.