 "Zardari’s all-smiles handshake with Xi hides a bitter truth: Trump’s US has abandoned Pakistan")
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China could not have been better timed, for optics back home. Now in the third week since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the US is yet to establish any formal contact with Pakistan. Trump has already met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba today. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Trump during his February 12-13 US visit.
Zardari, meanwhile, flew from Islamabad to Beijing, and met Xi on Wednesday. Despite the wide smile President Zardari offered to the cameras as he shook hands with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, it is unlikely that Pakistan can shake off the feeling of being forsaken by the US. For Pakistan, there is no one to hold its hand except China, and Beijing can exploit this no-holds-barred opportunity as it pleases. What happens in Pakistan—or to Pakistan—is no longer a concern for the US.
Pakistan has little choice but to adjust its foreign policy according to the circumstances to remain somewhat relevant under China’s patronage. Once a close ally of the United States, Islamabad now finds itself increasingly leaning toward Beijing. Pakistan needs its “all-weather friend” China now more than ever.
Pakistan’s waning ties with the US
Zardari’s visit to China comes when Pakistan’s relationship with the US seems to be at an all-time low. Washington’s hesitation to provide financial aid and military support has left Pakistan with fewer strategic options. Unlike in the past, when the US played a major role in Pakistan’s defense and economic support, the changing geopolitical situation has led Washington to focus more on its relations with India and other regional allies.
Impact Shorts
View AllFor Pakistan, China has become an important alternative partner. Beijing’s investments, diplomatic support and military cooperation give Pakistan some stability while it feels increasingly isolated from the Western bloc. Although Pakistan has traditionally tried to balance its ties between the US and China, recent events suggest a stronger shift toward Beijing.
However, this shift brings challenges. Unlike the US, which offered grants and military aid with fewer economic conditions, China’s investments mainly come in the form of loans and infrastructure projects that require repayment. Pakistan’s growing debt to China raises concerns about a potential debt trap, where Islamabad could become more dependent on Chinese financial institutions.
Zardari’s visit to Beijing
According to AFP, during his meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to China, calling the relationship “unique, time-tested, and special”.
He was joined by a high-profile delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Asim Hussain. The visit was meant to reassure China of Pakistan’s close ties, especially after concerns over Islamabad’s recent diplomatic missteps with the United States.
This visit also came after criticism in China over Pakistani Interior Minister Naqvi’s recent attendance at an event hosted by the US-based anti-Communist Party lobby, the New Federal State of China. To counter the negative perception, Pakistan used the Beijing trip to reaffirm its pro-China stance and repair any perceived strain in the relationship.
CPEC 2.0 and economic cooperation
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), remains central to economic cooperation between the two countries. Both Zardari and Xi reaffirmed their commitment to the second phase of CPEC, which will focus on industrialisation, renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
For Pakistan, which is facing serious economic troubles, Chinese investments are a crucial lifeline. The country is struggling with low foreign reserves, rising inflation and an energy crisis, making it heavily dependent on China’s financial and infrastructure support.
During Zardari’s visit, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in key areas such as science and technology, clean energy, media cooperation and socioeconomic development. These agreements highlight China’s growing role in shaping Pakistan’s economic future.
Zardari also formally invited Xi to visit Pakistan. While China’s financial and infrastructure support is vital, Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Beijing raises concerns about its economic independence and long-term financial stability.
Security and intelligence sharing
A major issue in the Sino-Pakistani relationship has been the growing number of terrorist attacks on Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects. In recent years, militants have repeatedly targeted Chinese engineers, workers and projects raising concerns in Beijing about Pakistan’s ability to provide security.
To address these concerns, Pakistan and China agreed to boost intelligence sharing and improve border security. Naqvi met with his Chinese counterpart, Qi Yanjun, to discuss counterterrorism efforts. The talks included plans for Pakistan to acquire advanced surveillance and policing equipment from China with a focus on strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ police forces.
China has been urging Pakistan to take stronger action against militant groups, especially after high-profile attacks like the 2021 Dasu hydropower plant bombing, which killed nine Chinese engineers.
This pressure has pushed Pakistan to tighten security around CPEC projects. However, China remains doubtful about Pakistan’s ability to control terrorism, given the country’s complex internal security situation and ongoing instability in regions like Balochistan.
Pakistan’s growing dependence on China
With economic instability and security challenges increasing, Pakistan’s closer ties with China seem more like a necessity than a well-planned strategic decision. The high-level visit aimed to reassure China about Pakistan’s commitment to their alliance, but it also highlighted the country’s growing dependence on Beijing for economic and diplomatic survival.
China’s increasing control over Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic policies raises concerns about Pakistan’s long-term strategic independence. While Chinese investments provide short-term relief, they also make Pakistan more vulnerable to Beijing’s demands and conditions.
Additionally, China’s patience with Pakistan may not be endless. Despite its investments, Beijing has shown signs of frustration with Pakistan’s security issues and economic mismanagement. If Pakistan fails to secure Chinese nationals or manage CPEC projects effectively, Beijing might reconsider how much it is willing to invest.
Future of China-Pakistan relations
Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions will determine whether this relationship turns into a sustainable partnership or becomes an overreliance that limits its strategic flexibility. As China continues to tighten its grip on Pakistan, Islamabad must manage this partnership carefully to protect its sovereignty and long-term national interests.
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