America Pakistan China: The friendship between China and Pakistan is often said to be “always permanent”. For decades, China has been providing financial assistance, military technology and diplomatic support to Pakistan. He has also been favoring Pakistan on international forums, especially in matters related to India. But now there are indications that there is a big change in Pakistan’s foreign policy and this change can cause concern for China.
US President Donald Trump’s second term is changing the equations of global politics. In recent weeks, the growing proximity between Pakistan and the US has raised new questions about China-Pakistan relations. After the counter-attack by India in “Operation Sindoor”, Pakistan’s top leadership Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Aseem Munir are seen repeatedly praising the role of America and Trump. He claims that the ceasefire situation was formed due to Trump’s intervention, and that is why Pakistan is now looking closer to Washington.
Is Pakistan unhappy with China?
China and America have long been strategic rivalry. In such a situation, Pakistan’s inclination towards America can be considered an uncomfortable step for China. Experts say that Xi Jinping government can take this development seriously, as China has always seen Pakistan as a strategic ally. Now the question is whether Beijing will be able to prevent this “old friend” from moving towards America, or this strategy of Pakistan can bring back its relations with China.
Economic pressure and energy crisis hit
Pakistan is currently struggling with economic challenges like severe inflation, energy crisis and currency devaluation.
Crude oil prices may rise due to the ongoing tension in the Middle East, especially due to the Iran-Israel War and possible volatility in the hormuj strait.
This may affect the major sectors of Pakistan’s economy such as power generation, transport and agriculture.
Fear of communal tension
Some analysts have warned that if the Iran-Israel struggle is given religious color, in countries like Pakistan, where the Shia population is about 15%, there may be a possibility of communal tension and ideological conflict. In such a situation, Pakistan’s internal stability may also be affected.
This change in Pakistan’s foreign policy is important not only from the strategic point of view, but also in terms of economic and social stability. Now it remains to be seen whether China reacts to this new equation and whether Pakistan will pay the move towards America as a decline in relations with its old partner.
