Experts urge Pakistan to balance relations between US and China, highlighting strategic opportunities

At a seminar organised by the Institute of International Relations and Media Research on "Possible Common Interests and Foreign Policy of the US and China in Pakistan," experts highlighted Pakistan's unique position to act as a mediator between the United States and China on various global issues, rather than compromising its relationships with either power.

The seminar, chaired by foreign affairs expert Syed Muhammad Mehdi, featured prominent speakers including Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, Professor Zhao of China Renmin University, Dr. Amjad Magsi, Director of the Pakistan Study Center, and Dr. Waheed Khan, Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Central Asia.

Michael Kugelman emphasized Pakistan's ability to mediate between the U.S. and China, particularly on issues like climate change, given Islamabad's historically good relations with both powers. He noted China's growing influence over the Taliban in Afghanistan, suggesting that Pakistan could benefit from China's sway in addressing terrorism threats such as the TTP and ISIS.

Kugelman also dismissed the notion that the U.S.-China rivalry is a new Cold War, pointing out that Washington is not attempting to contain Beijing in the same way as during past superpower conflicts. He suggested that Pakistan, being heavily impacted by climate change, could play a crucial role in facilitating cooperation between the two giants on this issue.

Professor Zhao from Renmin University underscored the importance of Pakistan maintaining strategic ties with both the U.S. and China. He noted that while China will not oppose Pakistan's strategic relationship with the U.S., Islamabad must ensure that it does not harm its relations with Beijing. Zhao argued that Pakistan's economic and security concerns cannot be fully addressed by ties with China alone, making U.S. relations necessary for securing export markets and arms supplies to counter India.

Syed Muhammad Mehdi opened the discussion by asserting that neither the U.S. nor China can deny Pakistan's strategic importance. He warned against Pakistan entering into any defense pact with one power, which could destabilize the region. Mehdi also highlighted the potential for U.S.-China cooperation to benefit Pakistan, especially in resolving the Kashmir conflict and ensuring regional stability.

Dr. Amjad Magsi suggested that positive U.S.-China relations could enhance the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and attract more foreign direct investment in key sectors. He noted that a stable relationship between the two powers could contribute to peace and economic growth in South Asia, particularly in Afghanistan.

Dr. Waheed Khan argued that Pakistan cannot afford to remain neutral in the U.S.-China rivalry, as it did during the Cold War. He proposed that Islamabad should differentiate between its geo-economic and geo-political objectives and communicate clearly to both the U.S. and China that its strategic goals are limited to its borders with India and Afghanistan.

The seminar concluded with a call for Pakistan to leverage effective diplomacy to balance its relations with both the U.S. and China, ensuring that it remains a pivotal player in the region without compromising its own strategic interests.