Musharraf makes Chinese oil plea

China and Pakistan have traditionally enjoyed close relations

The Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf, says he is lobbying Chinese leaders to build gas and oil pipelines between his country and China.

President Musharraf, who is on a six-day visit to China, expressed confidence that the proposed pipeline was technically feasible.

The route of the pipeline will link the Gulf and China through Pakistan.

China relies heavily on imported gas and oil, and is reportedly keen to diversify its supply routes.

President Musharraf said that he hoped the proposed pipeline would enable Pakistan to be an "energy and trade corridor" to the Middle East.

"Pakistan is very much in favour of a pipeline between the Gulf and China through Pakistan," he said.

"I'm very sure in the future - Inshallah (God willing) - it will happen."

The president said that he recognised the challenges of building a pipeline that would have to traverse mountains up to 15,000ft (4,572m) high.

"Although it might not be possible at such heights, experts say an oil and gas pipeline could be pumped upward up to the border, and that the larger distance in China would be down flowing. So technically it's very feasible," he said.