Pakistan’s Shifting Alliances: Heavy Reliance on China Amid Global Changes
Pakistan once dreamed big—leading the Muslim world and bridging South Asia with Central Asia. But today, the country finds itself overly dependent on China for support. This key partnership faces risks as Islamabad juggles ties with the US while staying loyal to Beijing, according to a recent analysis in Pakistan Today.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project, isn’t even Pakistan’s own idea. It’s just one part of China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), designed mainly to boost Beijing’s global ambitions. As CPEC enters its second phase, experts warn it could suffer from regional unrest, changing alliances, and big-power rivalries.
In the Middle East, things are changing fast. Arab nations are warming up to Israel through the Abraham Accords, shaking up old friendships and the balance of power in the Muslim world. Even close partners like Kazakhstan—which buys Pakistan’s locally made JF-17 fighter jets—and Turkey are softening their stance toward Tel Aviv. Afghanistan stays chaotic, making it an unreliable neighbor for trade or security. Iran, another key player, deals with growing global isolation and past clashes with Pakistan, like last year’s border fights.
Pakistan’s dreams of economic ties with Central Asia haven’t panned out either. Projects with countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan remain stuck, with no real progress.
This leaves China as Pakistan’s main and steady ally, crucial for its economy and defense. But global politics make this bond shaky. Islamabad must carefully balance closer US links without upsetting Beijing—a tough act that’s getting riskier by the day.
On the economic side, Pakistan’s recent buzz about crypto-mining deals with the US feels more like election talk than a solid plan. The country has a track record of hyping big ideas that fizzle out due to weak follow-through and limited resources.
Strategically, Pakistan’s options are shrinking fast. It’s not part of BRICS, the growing economic group that now drives a huge chunk of global GDP and offers new paths for trade and funding beyond the West. Meanwhile, India’s Act East Policy since 2012 has woven it tightly into ASEAN economies and East Asian security networks, sidelining Pakistan from key supply chains.
If India tweaks its approach to the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Pakistan’s sea trade routes could face even tighter squeezes, choking off vital maritime lifelines.
As the world realigns, Pakistan must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid isolation in a fast-changing geopolitical landscape.
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