THE global landscape is rapidly dividing into new blocs, with China and the United States at the centre of the struggle for economic and global dominance. As these shifts unfold, Pakistan and China are entering a new phase in their relationship. A stable China ensures a stable Pakistan, and with China’s growing economy, it is poised to shape the future. Unlike Cold War-era Russia, today’s China is emerging as a key global power, signalling a shift from past alignments. This new dynamic holds significant potential for both nations as they navigate evolving global circumstances.
The centres of global power have shifted. Terrorism, the American wars, and insecurity have pushed the countries of this region towards regional cooperation. China’s relations with countries in this region were already very strong, especially with Pakistan. However, over the past two decades, the US intervention in this region has strengthened the option of building regional economic ties with China. During the twenty years when the US was conducting military operations in South Asia and the Middle East, China and Russia raised their economic and defence levels significantly, and especially China emerged as a reliable partner.
Today, the demand in the U.S. economy is low because people’s basic needs have been met, and the population growth rate is very slow. Due to outdated machinery and high wages, manufacturing jobs have shifted to other countries and are unlikely to return. Despite huge financial aid, the growth rate of the U.S. economy has remained between two to three percent. In contrast, China’s economy has grown much faster, driven by exports and investments. China’s economy will continue to grow because 300 million Chinese are now moving out of poverty and becoming part of the expanding middle class, which will lead to an increase in demand.
Additionally, trillions of dollars are being invested in the historical Belt and Road initiative. During this time, China is creating a financial system that can eventually challenge the U.S.-dominated financial system, and it is making heavy investments in modern technologies at every level. China is spending vast amounts on military research. Some of the weapon systems it has showcased have even surprised Western military analysts. China is also re-establishing strong economic and military ties with Russia, which will create a balance in the other side of the U.S.-led Asian alliance, which includes India and Japan. The future of the world is tied to China.
Pakistan and China have long-standing relations of mutual support and close cooperation, which are highly valued by the people of both countries. Under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), significant successes have already been achieved in infrastructure, energy, and development sectors. In the future, the focus of this project will shift towards promoting cooperation in industrial technology, which can significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economic development, unemployment reduction, and poverty alleviation.
The relationship between Pakistan and China has deepened compared to the past. Pakistan’s role as a corridor for the development of China’s Xinjiang province and adjacent areas has become a critical need of the time, while Pakistan now requires more practical assistance than ever before. The strategic cooperation-based partnership between the two countries has withstood the test of time. Both countries have repeatedly reiterated their commitment to realizing their shared vision of prosperity, development, peace, and stability. Pakistan is not only strategically and economically positioned but also has proven itself as a strong and reliable defence ally.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
