WASHINGTON: Maintaining a strategic balance in relations with both the United States and China has become increasingly crucial for Pakistan to safeguard its interests amid growing tensions between these global powers, argued Wilson Center’s Pakistan fellow Baqir Sajjad.

“This strategy helps Pakistan safeguard its interests and navigate the complexities of international politics,” he said at a seminar hosted by the Washington think tank.

Mr Sajjad, also working on a book about the same subject for the Wilson Center, elaborated on the concept of ‘calibrated hedging’. He outlined the “hedging plus” strategy, involving a nuanced approach in dealing with major global powers without fully aligning with any single power.

He argued that Pakistan must strategically select partners that align with its goals in the evolving global landscape.

Historically, Pakistan has had close ties with both powers. While Beijing provided substantial economic and military support, Washington has been a long-standing ally.

Various factors, such as the growing US-India relationship and increasing tensions between the US and Pakistan, however, have pushed Islamabad closer to Beijing.

But, recent developments indicate that Islamabad is inclined to maintain positive relations with both Beijing and Washington. This diplomatic approach mirrors Pakistan’s aim to balance its ties with these major global players, preserving its interests amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Mr Sajjad supported this approach, emphasising that political, economic, and security imperatives necessitate Pakistan to maintain this strategic balance, avoiding being tied down by binding alliances.

The strategy recommends ensuring clarity, economic stability, and diplomatic agility for Pakistan’s national interests amidst global power shifts.

He argued that Pakistan’s primary focus must be on strategic engagement rather than alignment. Collaborative efforts with the US are essential, especially concerning economic challenges, regional stability, and counterterrorism. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s alliance with China plays a crucial role in achieving economic development and addressing vulnerabilities regarding India.

The paper stresses that economic stability is a mutual concern and a critical point of convergence for both rival powers. Prioritising this objective can lead to broader engagement, given that Pakistan’s fiscal health aligns with the geopolitical interests of both the US and China.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Electable politics
Updated 04 Dec, 2023

Electable politics

With the PTI still on the wrong side of the political equation, the prospects will be bright for whoever takes the lead.
War of narratives
04 Dec, 2023

War of narratives

MILITARILY, there is no match between the Israeli war machine, and the defenceless people of Gaza. On one side is a...
Returns on deposits
04 Dec, 2023

Returns on deposits

DESPITE the deceleration of deposit mobilisation, bank deposits have jumped to a record high of Rs25.6tr in FY23. ...
Promises, promises
Updated 03 Dec, 2023

Promises, promises

The climate crisis transcends national borders and political agendas, demanding a unified, decisive response.
PCB’s strange decision
03 Dec, 2023

PCB’s strange decision

THE Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision-making and the way it is being run has become a joke. A day after appointing...
Resettling Afghans
03 Dec, 2023

Resettling Afghans

FOR two years now, since the Afghan Taliban took Kabul, thousands of Afghans in Pakistan who had worked for Western...