In the realm of international politics, nations often find themselves navigating complex webs of alliances, rivalries, and strategic partnerships. For Pakistan, a country situated at the crossroads of geopolitical interests, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between the USA and China has become an increasingly challenging task. With both superpowers vying for influence in the region, Pakistan finds itself caught between a rock and a hard place.
Last month witnessed a noteworthy development in the USA’s South Asia policy as it aligned with India in rebuking Pakistan for its association with terrorism. This marked a significant shift indicating Washington’s intention to deprioritize Pakistan in the region. Concurrently, Indo-US relations entered what can be termed a “transformational moment,” setting the stage for Pakistan to respond to the dynamics of great power rivalry.
Despite Islamabad’s persistent disavowal of engaging in “bloc politics,” there are observable indications of a pivot towards Beijing. This evolving inclination raises the question of Pakistan facing a binary choice between China and the USA. However, this geopolitical trade-off presents substantial risks, particularly when juxtaposed against the potential economic and strategic advantages that a more nuanced approach to great power competition could offer.
Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture, strategically positioned between the USA and China. The country’s ability to balance its relations with these global powers is essential for its economic development, security, and regional stability. By pursuing a path of strategic autonomy, economic synergy, regional stability, and non-alignment, Pakistan can successfully navigate the complexities of its partnerships with the USA and China. As it treads this delicate path, Pakistan must carefully analyze its own national interests and forge ahead with a clear vision of maintaining an equilibrium that benefits its people and ensures a prosperous future
The recent virtual Democracy Summit, co-hosted by the USA with a remarkable representation of over 120 countries, was a pivotal moment for international collaboration. However, one notable absence was Pakistan, which opted to pursue one-on-one dialogue with the USA and other participating nations instead. Former National Security Adviser Moeed Yusu, took the stage at the Boao Forum and called for a cooperative approach between the USA and China in tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change and debt distress, free from power politics. This message, considering Pakistan’s substantial debt to China (comprising roughly 30 percent of its total $100 billion external debt) and the ongoing stalemate between China and the Paris Club on lending structure reform, holds great significance.
Yusuf’s advocacy for dialogue and cooperation is both prudent and pragmatic. By engaging in the US Democracy Summit, Pakistan could have furthered the discussion and advocated for mechanisms aimed at providing solutions for climate- and debt-vulnerable countries. Islamabad has a critical role to play in expressing concerns at forums of both global powers, urging them to collaborate on effective debt restructuring strategies for countries facing debt distress and to secure funding for climate-adaptive infrastructure projects in nations like Pakistan.
As the world confronts complex challenges that transcend borders, it becomes increasingly essential for countries to look beyond traditional power dynamics and embrace a cooperative stance. Pakistan, with its unique position and critical relationships, has the potential to be a bridge-builder between nations, fostering a spirit of cooperation that could lead to tangible solutions for the greater global good.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs recently conducted a pivotal public hearing on ‘Pak-US Ties,’ in June 2023 where esteemed experts and practitioners shed light on the importance of diversifying and reorienting the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and the USA. Distinguished foreign policy experts, former diplomats, academics, and over 130 students from various universities attended the hearing, and their insights highlighted the significance of fostering a friendly relationship with the USA while keeping Pakistan’s own interests at the forefront. Despite the talk of America’s decline, the experts acknowledged the USA’s continued dominance in the military and economic spheres, making it vital for Pakistan not to deprioritize its ties with this global power. However, they cautioned against becoming embroiled in the USA’s proxy wars in the region, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty.
Of particular concern was the USA’s strategic partnership with India to counterbalance China’s rise. The experts stressed that Pakistan must carefully evaluate the implications of this development on its strategic calculus. While China has maintained a non-coercive stance regarding Pakistan’s relations with the USA, the experts urged Pakistan to maintain a delicate balance between the two powers, avoiding alignment with any particular bloc.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strong bilateral ties with China, the experts underscored that deepening this relationship should not come at the cost of weakening its ties with the USA. Instead, they suggested that Pakistan capitalize on its economic potential and strengthen its internal order to secure a vibrant and productive Pakistan-US bilateral relationship.
Furthermore, the experts recommended expanding ties with the USA in non-security areas, citing multiple common challenges that both nations face. Collaborative efforts in these areas would serve the mutual interests of both countries and foster a more comprehensive and enduring partnership. They emphasized the need for Pakistan to diversify and reorient its relations with the USA beyond the security prism. By charting an independent path, Pakistan can leverage its economic potential, maintain a balanced approach to great power dynamics, and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation with the USA. The road ahead lies in seizing opportunities to strengthen bonds and capitalize on shared interests between the two nations.
Pakistan must navigate the rivalry between the USA and China with caution. It should avoid taking sides in its geopolitical contests and instead focus on safeguarding its national interests. Maintaining neutrality while engaging constructively with both powers will enable Pakistan to avoid being drawn into conflicts that are not in its best interest. The USA and China dominate Pakistan’s foreign policy landscape, it is essential for Pakistan to diversify its alliances and partnerships. Strengthening ties with other regional players, such as Russia, Iran, and the European Union, can provide Pakistan with additional leverage and options in its pursuit of a balanced foreign policy.
Balancing relations with the USA and China is a delicate endeavour for Pakistan to avoid being caught between a rock and a hard place. The key lies in adopting a nuanced and pragmatic approach that safeguards national interests while navigating the complexities of geopolitics. Pakistan must prioritize maintaining open channels of communication with both powers and engaging in constructive dialogues to address any potential areas of concern. Emphasizing economic cooperation and seeking mutually beneficial partnerships can serve as a foundation for stability and reduce dependency on a single power. By demonstrating a commitment to regional peace and stability and playing a constructive role in international affairs, Pakistan can position itself as a reliable partner to both the USA and China, thereby mitigating the risks of being entrapped in geopolitical tensions.
Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture, strategically positioned between the USA and China. The country’s ability to balance its relations with these global powers is essential for its economic development, security, and regional stability. By pursuing a path of strategic autonomy, economic synergy, regional stability, and non-alignment, Pakistan can successfully navigate the complexities of its partnerships with the USA and China. As it treads this delicate path, Pakistan must carefully analyze its own national interests and forge ahead with a clear vision of maintaining an equilibrium that benefits its people and ensures a prosperous future.
