Pakistan’s balancing act with the US and China is in the spotlight. Analysts, officials and opinion-makers often spare a thought as to which way Islamabad should be tilted, and what shall be its ramifications. This debate is part of the holistic canvas wherein camp politics plays a role, especially at a time when Washington is in a war of nerves with Beijing. This is why Derek Chollet, a senior aide to the US Secretary of State, hints at the plausible modalities of realpolitik as Islamabad flexes its muscles in the changing environment, and advises that China may not be a preferable ally in the long-run.
Derek has unnecessarily felt like commenting, and his assessment on China’s vibrancy as a partner is ill-founded. His submission that nations entering into deals with China ‘don’t end up well’ is myopic in essence. The fact is that China is the economic superpower, and has upheld peace and prosperity as canons of its bilateralism with member states of the world community. It does not believe in war-mongering, and annexing countries for power prejudice is not its policy. Last but not least, more than 100 countries are beneficiary of its BRI, which makes commerce as the pivot of interaction.
Pakistan, despite enjoying cordial ties with China, is eager to further its long-term relationship with the US. Derek must reflect on the fact that Pakistan was an allied-ally of the US, yet it was not treated fairly. The mantra of do-more and the distrust that prevailed between them are regrettable episodes. Islamabad looks up to Washington as a valued partner in defence and strategic understanding domains, and desires peace in the region.
Pakistan’s relations with China are time-tested. Likewise, Pakistan values the US role in counter-terrorism efforts and wants it to act as a catalyst in stabilising the region. Thus, it is little bothered to opt for a see-saw and is better placed to act as a bridge between the two major nations. The need of the hour is to reset the ties on stringent bilateralism, keeping in view national interests, and not to be influenced with fissures in the international arena.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2022.
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