Had it not been for CPEC, China’s interest in Pakistan would have lessened manifold
KARACHI: With the release of Trump’s policy on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s only friendly ally China in the South Asian region has assured approval and support to the country’s stance. The two enjoy extensive political and economic relations. But, unfortunately, removing China from the equation leaves Pakistan almost alone surrounded by either hostile or not-so-bothered neighbours.
China supports Pakistan given the stakes the two have tied to each other. However, this rhetorical support does not even get close to what China could do to protect North Korea from the US in spite of the fact that one is on the verge of launching its own nuclear weapon, while the other only happens to be unsuccessful at dealing with its regional conflicts.
Had it not been for CPEC, China’s interest in Pakistan would have lessened manifold. Therefore, it’s imperative for Pakistan’s long-term sustainability of national interests to work towards building its ties with other states, by all means. And not to be over-reliant on China for support and cooperation as there might be not much for Pakistan to offer China beyond CPEC in the long run.
Ayesha Farooq
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2017.
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