International

1. PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH US AND
CHINA

2. BACKGROUND
• Pakistan and the US established relations on 15 August 1947, a day after the
independence of Pakistan, when the United States became one of the first nations
to recognize Pakistan.
• During the Cold War (1945–1991), Pakistan allied itself with the Western Bloc led
by the United States against the Eastern Bloc led by the Soviet Union.
• Pakistan was looking for strong friends in order to persuade its bigger and
much stronger neighbor India to give in to its claims over the territory of
Kashmir.
• Pakistan also needed financial support for its infrastructure development
and modernization of its armed forces.
• Right from the beginning the founder father of Pakistan sent its
representative to the US government for financial and military assistance.
• Pakistan as a Muslim state had no affiliations with the communists and was
a natural regional ally for the United States.
• On the other hand, the ruling party in India, the Indian National Congress,
and India’s leaders were closer in ideology to socialism and the Soviet

3. BACKGROUND
• During the Ayub Khan era, Pakistan received military and economic assistance from the US and
both states established a strong military alliance
• Throughout the period between 1950 and 1953, several major Pakistan political and military figures
paid visits to the United States. During this time, Army commander Ayub Khan paid visits to the
United States
• During the Cold War, Pakistan joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and the
Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), aligning itself with the U.S. in efforts to contain the spread of
communism in the region.
• Field Marshal Ayub Khan had developed strong relations with the Americans and his era from 1958
to 1969 turned out to a strong era of US- Pakistan relations
• In 1959, Aub’s government allowed the US to set up an intelligence facility in Badaber, NWFP
province and operate U2 surveillance flights over the Soviet Union from its Peshawar Airport.
• This arrangement and the closer relationship of the Pakistani government with the US
administration allowed it to acquire increasing military hardware and arms for its defense services.

4. • The issue troubling the US was Pakistan’s closer relations with China.
• Pakistan’s growing friendship with communist China irked the US who was facing a proxy war against the
communists in Vietnam.
• In 1962, relations began cooling. In the aftermath of India's major defeat in the Sino-Indian War, the United States
shipped arms to India
• During 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, the U.S. took a neutral stance during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, and this led to a
temporary strain in Pakistan-U.S. relations.
• President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger took advantage of Pakistan's close relationship with the People's
Republic of China to initiate secret contacts that resulted in Henry Kissinger's secret visit to China in July 1971
after visiting Pakistan.
• The contacts resulted in the 1972 Nixon visit to China and the subsequent normalizing of relations between the
United States and the People's Republic of China.
• During Bhutto era seen as a "quiet cold war" with Pakistan and its democratic socialist government led by Bhutto.
His socialist ideas favored the communist ideas but never actually allied with communism.
• Under Bhutto, Pakistan sought to maintain a balance between the superpowers during the Cold War. While
Pakistan was not aligned with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union, it did engage in diplomatic and military
relationships with both.
• Bhutto initiated Pakistan's nuclear weapons program during this period. The U.S. expressed concerns about the
proliferation of nuclear weapons and attempted to influence Pakistan's nuclear policies.
• However, these efforts were not entirely successful, and Pakistan continued to develop its nuclear capabilities.

5. • The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 highlighted the common interest of Pakistan and the United
States in peace and stability in South Asia.
• During the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Pakistan became a frontline state due to its strategic
geographical location and its close ties with the United States.
• Pakistan, under the leadership of President Zia-ul-Haq, played a crucial role in supporting the Afghan resistance
against the Soviet forces and the ties and relations were promoted at its maximum point.
• The U.S. and Pakistan collaborated to provide military and financial assistance to the Afghan mujahideen, who
were fighting against the Soviet-backed government in Afghanistan.
• The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a significant role in coordinating the covert operation, with Pakistan
serving as a conduit for military and financial aid to the Afghan resistance.
• With the U.S. assistance in the largest covert operation in history Pakistan armed and supplied anti-Soviet fighters
in Afghanistan, eventually defeating the Soviets, who withdrew in 1988.
• After the restoration of democracy, relations deteriorated quickly with upcoming Prime Minister s Benazir Bhutto
and Nawaz Sharif. The US took a tough stand on Pakistan's nuclear development, passing the Pressler
amendment, while significantly improving the relations with India.
• Both Benazir and Nawaz Sharif also asked the US to take steps to stop the Indian nuclear program, feeling that
US was not doing enough to address what Pakistan saw as an existential threat.
• Pakistan found itself in a state of extremely high insecurity as tensions mounted with India and Afghanistan's
infighting continued. Pakistan's alliance with the U.S. was strained due to factors such as its support for the
Taliban and public distancing of the Pakistani government from the U.S.

6. • After the September 11 attacks in 2001 in the United States, Pakistan became a key ally in the war on terror with
the United States.
• In 2003, the US officially forgave US$1 billion in Pakistani debt in a ceremony in Pakistan in turn for Pakistan
joining the US 'war on terror’.
• Since 2001, Pakistan has arrested over five hundred Al-Qaeda members and handed them over to the US; senior
U.S. officers have been lavish in their praise of Pakistani efforts in public while expressing their concern that not
enough was being done in private.
• In return for their support, Pakistan had sanctions lifted and has received about $10 billion in U.S. aid since 2001,
primarily military. However, On the Kashmir front, however, not much progress has been made since India has
projected Pakistan as a supported of terrorism in Kashmir itself, a label vehemently denied by the Pakistanis
• In June 2004, President George W. Bush designated Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, making it eligible,
among other things, to purchase advanced American military technology.
• On 11th June, 2008, a US airstrike on the Afghan-Pakistani border killed 10 members of the paramilitary Frontier
Corps. The Pakistani military condemned the airstrike as an act of aggression, souring the relations between the
two countries.
• Relations between Pakistan and the United States have been cooling recently after the visit of Pakistani President
Asif Ali Zardari to the United States of America.
• The US also showed full support to Pakistan’s new democratic government in the areas of development, stability,
and security.

7. • The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations World Food Program, in
Pakistan, officially announced the signing of an agreement valued at $8.4 million to help ease Pakistan's food
crisis.
• With relations between Pakistan and the United States cooling down, it is expected that Pakistan and the United
States could return to being allies again not only in the War on Terror but also in other possible threats to regional
and world peace.
• It is also hoped by the United States that Pakistan under the administration of Asif Ali Zardari would only
strengthen relations between Pakistan and the United States.
• The CIA believes Osama Bin Laden to be hiding in Pakistan.
• During 2014-2015, the US used drone missiles to kill several of Pakistan's most wanted militants who were hiding
in a remote region close to the Afghan border
• In 2017, President Donald Trump accused Pakistan for providing safe heaven to terrorists and also announced
cancelling a $300 million disbursement to Pakistan.
• PM Khan's visit to United States as 'reset in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
• President Trump not just called for strengthening trade relation but also offered to mediate between India and
Pakistan on Kashmir.
• Pakistan played an important role in meditation between Afghan Taliban and the US while US withdrawal from
Afghanistan.
• The relations deteriorated when Imran Khan blamed the US officials Donald Lu and named the United States as
the country for regime change in Pakistan.

8. • In October 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden called Pakistan "one of the most dangerous nations in the
world" during an address in California while speaking about the changing global geopolitical situation.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari rejected the
statement as baseless

9. US FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS PAKISTAN
• The United States' foreign policy towards Pakistan has evolved over the years, influenced by geopolitical
considerations, regional dynamics, and global security concerns.
• COLD WAR ERA
• Since the US was more occupied in the post war reconstruction in Western Europe and Japan, its containment
efforts in South East Asia and the Middle East. The US in the initial years of Pakistan was less interested in getting
involved in the emerging conflicts of South Asia.
• Initially, the US did not see the usefulness of a strong relationship with Pakistan and US interests in Pakistan were
limited.
• As a US ally in the region, Pakistan could provide a foot hold for the US in the region against any Soviet
expansionist efforts in South Asia.
• During the Cold War, the United States viewed Pakistan as a strategic ally in the region, especially due to its
proximity to the Soviet Union.
• The U.S. provided military and economic assistance to Pakistan to counter the perceived threat of communism.
• During 1970s the US, under President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, had a strategic
interest in maintaining relations with Pakistan due to its proximity to China and its role as a conduit for opening
diplomatic channels with China.
• Moreover, during 1971 war, President Nixon urged Yahya Khan to restrain Pakistani forces, in order to prevent
escalation of the war, and to safeguard Pakistan's interests Nixon feared that an Indian invasion of West Pakistan
would lead to socialist India's domination of the subcontinent, thereby strengthening the position of the Soviet Union.

10. US FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS PAKISTAN
• The US secretly encouraged the shipment of military equipment from the Shah's Iran, Turkey, and
Jordan to Pakistan, and reimbursed those countries for their shipments, despite congressional
objections.
• The US had threaten to cut-off aid to pressure Pakistan to end hostilities, but did not wish for India
to dominate the new political landscape in South Asia either.
• Pakistan played a crucial role as a frontline state during the Soviet-Afghan War, supporting
Afghan mujahideen fighters with the backing of the United States.
• The U.S. and Pakistan collaborated closely to channel military and financial aid to Afghan
resistance groups, contributing to the eventual Soviet withdrawal.
• POST COLD WAR ERA
• With the end of the Cold War, the dynamics in the region changed, and the U.S. reduced its
engagement with Pakistan.
• Sanctions were imposed on Pakistan due to concerns over its nuclear weapons program.

11. US FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS PAKISTAN
• POST 9/11 ERA
• After the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. shifted its focus back to South Asia, and Pakistan became a key ally in the
global war on terror.
• Pakistan supported the U.S. in its efforts to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and became a crucial
logistical hub for U.S. military operations in the region.
• Despite periods of cooperation, there have been tensions in the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. Concerns include
Pakistan's alleged support for certain militant groups and its nuclear weapons program.

12. PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH CHINA
• Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1951, China and Pakistan have enjoyed a close
and mutually beneficial relationship.
• Pakistan was first Muslim state that established relations with Chin and also helped
China to established its relations with Muslim world.
• Pakistan was amongst the first few countries which had recognized the Communist
People’s Republic of China (PRC)
• Relations between both enhanced when Pakistan has supported China on most
issues of importance to the latter, especially Indo-Sino in 1962 and those related to
Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet and other sensitive issues such as human rights.
• Pakistan hoped that China would serve as a counterweight to Indian influence so in
1956, Pakistani signed the Treaty of Friendship with China marking closer bilateral
ties.
• American and Soviet aid to India during the1962 Sino-Indian War supplied the
impetus for China and Pakistan to pursue closer strategic ties
• Pakistan helped China in reestablishing formal ties with the West, where they helped
make possible the 1972 Nixon visit to China.
• Pakistan and China consider each other "all-weather friends" and have a strategic

13. PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH CHINA
• Bhutto was instrumental in fostering ties with China, which played a significant role in shaping Pakistan's foreign policy
during his tenure. The signing of the Sino-Pakistani Friendship Treaty in 1972 marked a milestone in Pakistan's efforts to
balance its foreign relations.
• Several high-profile projects have been launched since the early 1970s such as the construction of the Karakoram Highway
(KKH), the Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) and Heavy Foundry & Forge (HFF) in Taxila, the Machine Tool Plant in
Karachi, Gwadar port, nuclear power plants at Chashma, in addition to a number of similar projects in the defense
production sector, including the Heavy Rebuild Factory which later became Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), which has
developed the Al-Khalid tank.
• China became a major supplier of military hardware to Pakistan in the backdrop of the US arms embargo on Pakistan
following the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war.
• Pakistan and China have strong military ties, including the sale of military equipment and joint military exercises. They also
collaborate on defense technology and have conducted joint military drills.
• China has been a consistent supporter of Pakistan in international forums, including its stance on the Kashmir issue.
• In the arena of trade, commerce, and economic assistance, China has been a major source of help to Pakistan particularly
in building its infrastructure and industrial base.
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015 is considered as a landmark and a milestone in furthering their age old
relations.
• China's interest in Pakistan is partly due to its strategic location, which provides China with access to the Arabian Sea and
the Middle East through Gwadar Port. This location is important for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

14. PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH CHINA
• Durimg 1979 Soviet Union invasion in Afghnaistan,China stood firmly by Pakistan and condemned the invasion of that
posed a threat to peace and stability not only for the region but for the entire world.
• China not only provided military supplies worth $200 million annually to the Afghan resistance groups, and extended political
support to Pakistan at all international forums.
• Throughout the 1990s, Pakistan remained under US sanctions and China was the primary source of Pakistan’s military
hardware procurements. During this period, Pakistan-China defense-related cooperation also substantially increased.
• After India nuclear Test in 1988 that disturbed Balance of power in the region, China expressed its understanding of
Pakistan’s compulsion to go nuclear.
• In 1999, during the Kargil conflict between the two nuclear states, India and Pakistan, China adhered to a strict neutral
position.
• During 9/11 Pakistan sided with the US on Global war o terror raised some concerns in China. However, Pakistan assured
China that under no circumstances would Pakistan allow its cooperation with the US to undermine Chinese strategic
interests
• China Backs Pak After FATF Retains It In Grey List.

15. PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS CHINA IN 21ST
CENTURY
• Since the beginning of the 21st century, the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and
Pakistan has further developed because of US-India strategic patnership and secondly China’s ambition to
became world economic power.
• Both states haeve mutual interests and both countries have supported each other on regional and global
issues. They often collaborate on matters related to security, counterterrorism, and regional stability.
• In 2013, President Xi announced the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a gargantuan multilateral infrastructure
and investment project, to showcase the Chinese path of development.
• The cornerstone of BRI was the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• CPEC not just connect China to northwestern region but also helped Pakistan to foster economic
development and trade with other states.
• The two states promoted people-to-people exchanges and continued to strengthen the foundation of
friendship.
• During COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan’s government appreciates China’s efforts and achievement in dealing
with the epidemic.
• China and Pakistan has signed a MOU to confirm the expansion of CPEC into new areas of science &
technology and agriculture which will trigger a green revolution in Pakistan that is highly essential for
Pakistan’s food security, poverty reduction and export potentia

16. CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a major on going infrastructure project that aims to connect
Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan to China's northwestern region of Xinjiang, via a network of highways,
railways, and pipelines.
• It is part of the greater Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative launched by the Chinese government Initially
valued at $46 billion, it is now worth $62 billion as of 2017.
• CPEC was officially launched in April 2015 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan.
• The project holds strategic significance for both China and Pakistan, fostering economic development,
regional connectivity, and geopolitical cooperation.
• The CPEC is usually referred to as a game changer for Pakistan’s economy and geopolitical positioning.
• Pakistan is expected to reap huge benefits in the fields of energy, agriculture, developmental infrastructure,
and local employment if this economic corridor succeeds.
• Moreover, it will strengthen Sino-Pakistan relations and as well as help Pakistan to establish good political and
economic ties with other states.

17. CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR
• The corridor encompasses various sectors and areas, including:
• Regional Connectivity
• Socio-Economic Development
• Energy Projects
• Tourism
• Human Resource Development
• Agricultural cooperation
• Industrial Cooperation.
• Financial Cooperation.

18. ISSUES WITH CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR
• CPEC is viewed by many of its critics as an exercise in neo-imperialism, particularly through credit-imperialism
or a debt trap.
• CPEC's extensive reliance on Chinese investments and loans has raised concerns about Pakistan's economic
dependence on China and this dependency could compromise Pakistan's economic sovereignty and strategic
autonomy.
• Pakistan fails to repay its debts, it may lead to China acquiring strategic assets or influence in key sectors,
possibly compromising Pakistan's national interests.
• There is alack of transparency in the CPEC deals, with calls for more openness and public disclosure of the
terms of the agreements.
• Loans have high interest rates and short repayment periods, which could put a strain on Pakistan's economy.
• Some Baloch nationalists have opposed the large-scale development projects envisioned by CPEC, fearing
that such developments in the province would eventually result in local residents “losing control” over natural
resources.
• Chinese approach of not partnering with local companies will not help Pakistan create job opportunities.
• The political tension in Afghanistan also may severely impede the benefits of transit corridors in South Asia.