Pakistan balancing relations between China and the US
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Pakistan is no stranger to balancing relations between major powers. Located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia and facing hostile India in the East, Afghanistan in the West and managing relations with Iran, it is not easy to balance a relationship with two global adversaries.
Pakistan has tread a delicate balance between China and the US.
With Beijing, it has a strong strategic, economic and political relationship that it considers highly beneficial. China has been a steadfast supporter of Pakistan on most security and economy related issues at the regional and global level and proudly flaunted as an “all-weather friend.” It is a vital partner in countering India’s adversarial conduct and hegemonic designs.
Pakistan has been a major beneficiary of China’s economic and military assistance since the middle of the 60’s when the US suspended its military and economic aid after the war with India and imposed punishing sanctions. Presently, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With a nearly $58 billion investment in energy, infrastructure, and other projects, China has contributed in strengthening Pakistan’s economic base. CPEC provides Pakistan with an invaluable opportunity to replace its dilapidated infrastructure and boost economic activity. CPEC has been equally beneficial for China as it has provided it access to the sea through the port of Gwadar.
The world has changed a lot and most countries will make their choices based on their geopolitical and economic interests. It is not so easy anymore for major powers to make others compliant to their wishes.
Talat Masood
The world has changed a lot and most countries will make their choices based on their geopolitical and economic interests. It is not so easy anymore for major powers to make others compliant to their wishes.
With US President Joe Biden now aggressively pursuing a policy to counter the rise of China, relations between the two countries have become highly adversarial and likely to remain so in the foreseeable future. Biden accuses Beijing of violating internationally accepted market practices for rapid economic gain.
Recently, relations between Pakistan and US have improved. But these are likely to remain transitional. The US wants Pakistan to exercise its influence with the Taliban to come to an understanding with the Kabul government to facilitate a peaceful transition. There are limits to what Pakistan can persuade Taliban to do. The US also does not want Pakistan to be too close to China and for that reason would like its relations with India to be normalized. There has not been any progress in this direction as India continues to pursue its highly discriminatory policy in Kashmir unabated. Besides, there is no government in Pakistan that would risk compromising its stand on Kashmir.
Washington will continue to keep a close watch on Pakistan’s nuclear assets. In sharp contrast, China fully appreciates the acquisition of Pakistan’s nuclear capability for countering India’s and supported Pakistan’s acquisition of nuclear capability at major international forums, especially at the UNSC.
Having good relations with the US will facilitate Pakistan’s exit from the hold of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), something for which Pakistan has worked diligently to meet conditions. Washington’s political support however, is essential.
There are other distinct advantages, as US is a significant market for Pakistan’s exports and its garment industry in particular. Moreover, it is by far the best destination for students, especially those pursuing advance studies in science and technology. Therefore, it is not surprising that thousands of Chinese students seek admission in prestigious American universities.
On the downside, the US has been critical and monitors closely Pakistan’s support and association with the resistance movement in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Despite a definite improvement in Pakistan’s relations with the US, how the latter assesses Pakistan’s role in bringing the Taliban to accept a negotiated settlement for power sharing, will ascertain the direction the relationship takes.
Furthermore, India is a strategic US ally in the Indo-Pacific region and is being fully supported by it and by other Western allies including Japan and Australia to counter China’s influence in the region. It is in this complex political and strategic scenario that Pakistan will have to balance relations with major powers to protect and advance its national interests.
The escalation of the China-America trade war and the latter’s deliberate attempt to thwart China’s rise, places countries such as Pakistan in a difficult position, left to defend its long-term national interests. The world has changed a lot and most countries will make their choices based on their geopolitical and economic interests. It is not so easy anymore for major powers to make others compliant to their wishes.
India, Australia and Japan, though close allies of the US, cannot afford to toe its line or follow its interests and adopt policies dictated to cut trade and reduce links with China. Similarly, China should not expect it can force these countries to support or side with it.
Today, Pakistan has gained a lot by being China’s strategic partner and finds distinct advantage in retaining a fairly close relationship with the US. And the US, despite Pakistan’s leanings toward China, considers Pakistan’s role and cooperation valuable in the context of Afghanistan in particular and the region in general.
- Talat Masood is a retired Lieutenant General from Pakistan Army and an eminent scholar on national security and political issues. E-mail: [email protected]
