By Sara Nazir

Pakistan navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its historical alliance with the US against a deepening partnership with China. This dual obligation offers significant opportunities and risks, with impacts on strategic autonomy and economic sovereignty of the country. As the intense rivalry between United States and China unfolds, Pakistan finds itself in a unique and challenging position.

Pakistan, which is traditionally a strong ally of US, has recently embraced a deepening partnership with China, due to mutually beneficial mega project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This evolving dynamic is more than a matter of policy; affecting everyday lives of Pakistani people and nation's future in profound ways.

Historically, Pakistan's alliance with the US has remained crucial, during the Cold War. The US provided significant military support and financial aid, which helped Pakistan in navigating a tumultuous regional landscape. But with evolving situation of the world, strategic outlook of Pakistan has also been transforming. Today, China’s investment through CPEC is reshaping the country’s economic landscape, promising new infrastructure and job opportunities that could change lives for better, across Pakistan.

While the economic boost from CPEC is promising, it’s not without risks. The extensive borrowing involved, raises serious concerns about Pakistan's long-term financial health. The fear is that heavy reliance on Chinese funding may lead to a situation, where Pakistan's economic decisions would be grossly influenced by Beijing, potentially compromising country’s sovereignty. For ordinary Pakistanis, this implies higher debt burdens and fewer economic freedom in future.

On the contrary, Pakistan’s historical relationship with the US remains to be a cornerstone of its foreign policy. American military aid and diplomatic support are considered vital for Pakistan’s security and counterterrorism efforts. Yet, as Pakistan strengthens ties with China, there’s growing concern that this could strain relations with the US. This diplomatic balancing act is not just a political issue; it impacts how Pakistanis view their country’s place in the world and its ability to secure necessary support.

The delicate balance Pakistan must maintain can sometimes lead to confusion and frustration. For instance, supporting China on contentious issues like Taiwan or the South China Sea might upset the US, potentially jeopardizing crucial military aid and support. Conversely, leaning too much on US might alienate China, threatening the stability of CPEC projects that are vital for economic development. This constant juggling act can make it difficult for Pakistan to present a clear and consistent stance on global issues, which affects not only its international relations but also its internal stability.
The repercussions of this dual obligation extend beyond the realm of diplomacy. Economically, while CPEC brings much-needed investment, it also raises concerns about debt dependency. For many Pakistanis, the promise of infrastructure and jobs is enticing, but there is a real worry about whether the benefits will outweigh the long-term costs. If Pakistan becomes too reliant on Chinese funding, it could face tough economic choices and increased vulnerability to external pressures.

Strategically, the need to balance relations with both the US and China, places Pakistan in a delicate position. Any mis-step could strain ties with one or both superpowers, affecting the country’s ability to secure essential support and maintain its regional influence. For everyday citizens, this means navigating a world, where their country’s alliances can have direct implications for their safety, economic opportunities, and overall well-being.

Internally, the differing views on foreign policy between Pakistan’s military and civilian governments can create political friction. The military's favoring of both US and China contrasts with civilian leaders’ efforts to strengthen ties with either the US or China only. This results in some lack of coherence in foreign policy. This internal struggle can divert attention from pressing domestic issues, such as economic reforms and political stability, affecting the quality of life for ordinary Pakistanis.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s role in the US-China rivalry is both strategically crucial and fraught with complexities. Balancing relationships with these two superpowers is essential for maximizing economic benefits and maintaining strategic independence. As global dynamics continue to shift, Pakistan’s ability to navigate these relationships effectively will not only shape its international standing but also impact the lives of its citizens. Ensuring a coherent and balanced foreign policy, while addressing domestic challenges will be key to Pakistan’s future in this evolving global landscape.