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Pakistan’s Strategic Pivot to China: Examining Implications and Expectations

4 minutes read

Pakistan’s Strategic Pivot to China: Examining Implications and Expectations

4 minutes read

In a recent podcast by Dr. Qamar Cheema at NHS Media, he delved into the intricacies of Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s visit to China for the Third Belt and Road Forum. This visit carries significant implications for the relationship between these two countries and their roles on the global stage.

Key Points

  • China and Pakistan have been developing a military alliance, a move that could have significant implications for the region.
  • Pakistan is increasingly finding itself isolated from major international forums and alliances. For instance, Pakistan was notably absent from the G20 summit, and it’s been excluded from organizations like SAARC.
  • Pakistan has historically acted as a stumbling block to India’s regional hegemony.
  • The way China and Pakistan navigate their evolving relationship will undoubtedly shape the future of South Asia and the world at large.

Dr. Cheema began by highlighting the disparity between the promised and actual investments by China in Pakistan. While there was a commitment of $60 billion in investment, it has, so far, only materialized to the tune of $25 billion, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The recent visit of a Chinese Vice Premier to commemorate One Decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emphasizes the evolving dynamics of this partnership.

Over the years, Pakistan’s international relationships have undergone a transformation. Dr. Cheema noted that Pakistan is increasingly finding itself isolated from major international forums and alliances. For instance, Pakistan was notably absent from the G20 summit, and it’s been excluded from organizations like SAARC. He emphasized that, for the past 50 years, the world viewed Pakistan through the lens of its relationship with Afghanistan, but now, it’s China that will be the focus for the next five decades.

China and Pakistan have been developing a military alliance, a move that could have significant implications for the region. Dr. Cheema pointed out that Pakistan is finding itself without a strategic partner apart from China, and China, in turn, lacks traditional allies. The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has been characterized by fluctuations, making China an increasingly pivotal partner for Pakistan.

China’s interest in Pakistan extends beyond mere economic investments. Dr. Cheema discussed China’s perspective on Pakistan’s geostrategic location. Pakistan serves as a vital maritime outlet towards the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, critical regions for oil supply. While some may argue that Pakistan has historically acted as a stumbling block to India’s regional hegemony, Dr. Cheema suggested that the dynamics are evolving, and Pakistan now looks to China to help create a more favorable environment in its relations with India.

China has taken a pragmatic approach to its dealings with Pakistan. Dr. Cheema noted that China prioritizes its economic interests over friendships. Pakistan, having received aid and support from the US after the War on Terror, turned towards China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2014. While Pakistan welcomed Chinese investments, the debt issue remained largely overlooked. China effectively included private sectors and ensured that they are financially accountable, leading to concerns over Pakistan’s debt obligations.

China’s approach to debt is multi-faceted. Dr. Cheema pointed out that China provided debt to Pakistan at an interest rate of 3.74%, whereas other countries received loans at much lower rates. The maturity period of Pakistan’s debt is also relatively short, leading to concerns about Pakistan’s financial obligations to China.

Another critical aspect of the China-Pakistan relationship is military cooperation. Pakistan has been a significant recipient of Chinese weaponry over the years, totaling approximately $18 billion from 1950 to 2021. Dr. Cheema highlighted the shift in the supply of armed forces equipment from China, illustrating the deepening military collaboration.

Dr. Qamar Cheema’s insights into the evolving relationship between Pakistan and China provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. As Pakistan’s Prime Minister embarks on his visit to China, it is clear that the alliance between these two nations carries significant implications, not only for their individual interests but also for the broader geopolitical landscape in the region. The way these two countries navigate their evolving relationship will undoubtedly shape the future of South Asia and the world at large.

 

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