Pakistan’s Dangerous Balancing Act
Based on Shashi Tharoor’s analysis, this essay explains Pakistan’s risky strategy of balancing relations between China and the United States. It explores how CPEC, economic dependence, and regional unrest in Balochistan could push Pakistan toward diplomatic isolation and long-term instability.
Pakistan’s Dangerous Balancing Act: Between China and the United States
Pakistan is trying to balance its relationship with two world superpowers — China and the United States. These countries have very different goals and often disagree with each other. Pakistan is using its location and resources to gain help from both sides. However, this strategy is risky and may cause problems for Pakistan in the long run. This essay explains how Pakistan got here, what it wants, and why its current path might lead to trouble.
Past Choices
Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has looked for powerful allies to protect itself, especially from India. In the Cold War, it joined American-led groups like SEATO and CENTO. These gave Pakistan money and weapons, but only when the US needed Pakistan. When the Soviet Union left Afghanistan, the US pulled back, leaving Pakistan feeling abandoned.
At the same time, Pakistan built a relationship with China. After China fought India in 1962, Pakistan saw China as a partner who could help balance India’s power. Over time, this friendship grew. Today, China is Pakistan’s biggest defence partner and investor. This history explains why Pakistan is now close to both countries — but not fully trusted by either.
China Connection
The relationship between China and Pakistan is often called an “all-weather friendship,” meaning they support each other no matter what. China has given Pakistan money, weapons, and political help. One of the biggest projects is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), worth over $70 billion. This includes roads, power plants, and the major port at Gwadar, giving China access to the Arabian Sea.
CPEC is part of China’s global plan called the Belt and Road Initiative. It helps China trade with more countries and avoid dangerous sea routes like the Strait of Malacca. For Pakistan, CPEC brings jobs and money. But it also brings debt and raises concerns among local people, especially in the province of Balochistan.
The US Gamble
Although Pakistan is strongly linked with China, it hasn’t given up on the United States. Recently, Pakistan offered the US a chance to build and run a port in Pasni, just 70 miles from Gwadar. This would give the US a key location near China’s biggest project in Pakistan.
This offer came just after Pakistan signed the Moscow Format declaration, which was supported by China and Russia. That agreement said no country should build military bases near Afghanistan — something the US might want to do again. So, while Pakistan agreed with China against the US on one hand, it offered the US a new port with the other. This is what many call “the Pasni Paradox”.
Money Problems
Pakistan’s economy is in bad shape. It buys more goods than it sells, depends on money from other countries, and has growing debt. The government is desperate to bring in new investment, especially in mining rare minerals. CPEC brought hopes of growth, but the benefits have not reached most people. That’s why Pakistan is trying to attract American companies to Pasni.
Playing China and the US against each other is a way to get more money. But it is also dangerous. If either side feels betrayed, they could pull out their investments or support. This would make Pakistan’s economy even weaker.
Local Unrest
One of the biggest problems is Balochistan, where both Gwadar and Pasni are located. The local Baloch people feel left out and believe their land is being used by outsiders without helping them. Many people there are angry, and some groups are fighting the government. In 2025, a train was hijacked by one of these groups, showing how serious the problem is.
When foreign countries build big projects without helping locals, it causes more anger. China is already worried about attacks on its workers. If the US builds in Pasni, it might face the same danger. The region could become a place where China and the US fight for influence, while locals suffer the most.
A Risky Game
Pakistan’s foreign policy today is based on quick rewards rather than long-term plans. It hopes to get money and support from both China and the US without fully joining either side. But this strategy might backfire. China might slow down CPEC projects if it feels Pakistan is too close to the US. The US might cut ties if it thinks Pakistan is working too closely with China and Russia.
This double game can lead to strategic isolation — a situation where no country fully trusts Pakistan. That would mean less money, less support, and more danger.
What Needs Changing
To avoid disaster, Pakistan needs to make better choices. First, it must fix its economy. This means reducing its debt, increasing exports, and using its mineral wealth wisely. Relying on loans and foreign help is not a long-term solution.
Second, it should focus on helping regions like Balochistan. If people feel included and benefit from projects, they are less likely to resist. This would make Pakistan more stable and safer for investors.
Third, Pakistan should stop playing one country against the other. Instead, it should build strong but honest relationships with both the US and China. It can trade and cooperate with both, without making promises it cannot keep.
Conclusion
Pakistan is walking a tightrope between China and the US. This might bring short-term gains, but it also brings big risks. The country’s leadership must think long-term. Fixing the economy, building trust with local people, and choosing clear and honest foreign policies will help Pakistan avoid crisis.
Trying to outsmart powerful countries may seem clever, but it is not a safe path. Pakistan needs to move from a survival tactic to a smart, balanced strategy that puts its people first. Only then can it have peace, prosperity, and respect on the world stage.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
