The Sino-Pak Strategic Partnership and its Implications for Pak-US Relations in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

The US has been a friend of Pakistan since its independence. On the other hand, China and Pakistan have common interests and a common enemy. The growth of China in the twenty-first century and the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan have moved the United States closer to India, which is a serious concern for Pakistan. The paper explores the nature of the Sino-Pakistan strategic partnership, the impacts of the Sino-Pakistan strategic partnership on Pak-US relations, and looking into Pakistan’s policy options for balancing relations with the US and China. The paper concludes that the US ruled the world after the 1990s as a single hegemon. So, after the rise of China, the US is concerned about its declining hegemony. As well, the Sino-Pak strategic partnership is not acceptable to the US. As a result, the US cut off military and economic assistance to Pakistan, supported India’s position in the United Nations Security Council, and signed a civil nuclear deal with India. In the end, it makes policy recommendations for Pakistan to establish a balanced position between the US and China.

Keywords: Pakistan-China Relations, Pakistan-US Relations, Strategic Partnership, National Interests, Balanced Approach.