As tensions between India and Pakistan rise in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks and Islamabad finds itself burdened underinternational pressure, it's only in Beijing that it has found solace. Signing a defence agreement with China on Monday, the two countries publicly reaffirmed their military and security ties, with promises of more Chinese military help coming Pakistan's way. The talks were led by Chen Bingde, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Tariq Majid, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee of Pakistan.

They also resolved to co-operate with each other to fight terrorism. Majid said Pakistan cherished the traditional friendship and co-operation with China and was ready to make concerted efforts with the PLA to strengthen military ties.

The talks between China and Pakistan, despite the warm vibes between them, were held at the same time when the US deputy secretary of state, John Negroponte, was telling his Chinese counterpart, Dai Bingguo, that Beijing needed to exert its influence on Islamabad regarding the current tensions in South Asia and to push Pakistan to take more steps against terrorist groups on its soil.

While there were few details about the talks between China and Pakistan, it's clear Islamabad is seeking a lot of military help from Beijing including equipment and intelligence. It's also clear that the current crisis with India was the focus of discussions between the two sides.

Beijing regards Islamabad in much the same way as Washington regards Tel Aviv in its national security calculus.

In the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, China lifted its opposition to proscribing Jamaat-ud-Dawa in the UN Security Council. On previous occasions, including about six months ago, China fudged on banning this group, citing lack of evidence. The Mumbai attacks, however, changed that. But that does not mean China will not extend covert assistance to Pakistan despite the fact that when President Zardari went to Beijing to ask for financial assistance, he returned empty-handed. Not so the defence establishment of Pakistan, because, sources say, China continues to assist Pakistan in the military sector. In return, Pakistan tamps down on the Uighur separatists in Xinjiang province, though it's not stopped many Uighurs from training in Pakistani terror camps. Earlier this year, China completed four militarily important naval frigates as part of an $800 million deal to Pakistan.

Over the past few years, Pakistan has agreed to jointly produce with China up to 250 JF-17 fighter planes in a deal estimated by defence officials to be worth at least $5 billion.

In addition, Pakistan is reportedly negotiating the purchase of 35-40 of the J-10 fighter planes which is one of the most advanced fighter planes produced by China.