ISLAMABAD -- The recent visit to China by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is seen as the first step toward a turning point in relations between Delhi and Beijing following India's acceptance of China's sovereignty over Tibet. The emerging warmth in Sino-Indian ties is also viewed in Pakistan as a development that comes at Islamabad's expense.
Since Pakistan became independent in 1947, more than a generation has grown up regarding India as the country's main foe. That generation of Pakistanis has also grown up looking at China as the country's all-weather and time-tested friend.
With the denial of Western military technology under punitive sanctions, Pakistan has looked toward Beijing as a reliable supplier of military equipment that has helped to maintain its defense forces as a credible deterrent.