Pakistan’s Global Strategy: Navigating the US-China Tug-of-War

Abstract

The intensifying rivalry between the United States and China has placed Pakistan in a complex geopolitical dilemma, requiring a delicate balancing act to safeguard its national interests. This article examines Pakistan's strategic positioning amid the US-China tug-of-war, analyzing its historical alliances, economic dependencies, and regional security challenges. While China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offers critical infrastructure investments, it also raises concerns about debt sustainability and sovereignty. Conversely, the US remains a vital partner for trade, military cooperation, and access to global financial institutions, despite growing tensions over Pakistan's alignment with China. The study highlights Pakistan's multi-alignment strategy, which seeks to diversify diplomatic and economic engagements through multilateral forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and partnerships with Middle Eastern and Central Asian states. Additionally, the article explores the implications of Pakistan's regional rivalries, particularly with India, and the challenges of stabilizing Afghanistan amid great-power competition. To navigate these complexities, Pakistan must pursue pragmatic diplomacy, domestic economic reforms, and strategic autonomy to avoid over-reliance on either superpower. The findings underscore the importance of a non-aligned, agile foreign policy to ensure Pakistan's long-term stability and prosperity in an increasingly polarized world.

Keywords: Pakistan, US-China Rivalry, CPEC, Strategic Balancing, Multilateral Diplomacy, Economic Dependencies, Regional Security, Geopolitical Autonomy