Last week, Field Marshal General Asim Munir was given the red-carpet treatment in the White House as the military leader had lunch with US President Donald Trump in the White House. This marks a pivot in the historically rocky ties between Pakistan and the US.
Previously seen as a poor democracy and a sponsor of state terrorism, Pakistan’s image is evolving as the country seeks stronger diplomatic ties with Washington.
While diplomatic ties with the US will bear fruit in economic terms, it also puts Pakistan’s long-standing friendship with China in the crossfire.
Eyeing US Investment in Cryptocurrency and Critical Minerals
The restoration of US-Pakistan diplomatic ties couldn’t come at a more volatile phase during the ongoing Iran-Israel war that could spiral into a massive regional conflict. During this conflict Pakistan can prove to be a valuable asset. The US could leverage Pakistan’s religious and political ties with Iran to negotiate a peace treaty or compromise with Tehran, helping Washington prevent a massive war.
Pakistan also has a lot to gain from these renewed ties with the US, with reported engagement in volatile and lucrative sectors, including cryptocurrency and critical minerals. There was also discussion on counterterrorism.
Michael Kugelman, a South Asian analyst, speaking on the Munir-Trump meeting, stated:
“There’s been US-Pakistan engagement on crypto, minerals and counter-terrorism, and Trump takes a deep personal interest in all of these.”
However, a shift of allegiances towards Washington could irk China, one of America’s strongest rivals, and a reliable ally to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Pakistan is heavily reliant on China for military and economic aid. Furthermore, long-term investments, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), have spearheaded employment and infrastructure development.
Beijing’s productive ties with Islamabad serve as a bulwark against Indian influence in the region. Access to the Arabian Sea is another bonus. For the longest time, both parties have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship.
Pakistan Needs to Achieve a Delicate Equilibrium
Pakistan finds itself walking on a dangerous tight rope. It must maintain strong socioeconomic and political ties with China and foster a healthy diplomatic relationship with the US.
An effective solution would see issue-specific cooperation with the US, focused on digital technology and distant from the delicate matters of regional conflicts and military aid. Pakistan should continue its economic projects with China and encourage investment.
However, the end goal should be for the state to minimise over-reliance on the superpowers. Unquestionable subservience to either side is wrong, but productive friendships ought to do more good than harm.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates