Better Pak-US Ties

  • Better Pak-US Ties Should Not Come at the Cost of China Cooperation

(Published Aug 23/24, 2025) (Dawn)

Outline

  1. Introduction
    A. Pakistan’s geopolitical crossroads
    B. US offers opportunity—economy & security
    C. China remains a durable strategic ally
  2. Importance of US Relations
    A. Economic integration—trade & investment
    B. Global institutional support—IMF, WB, FATF
    C. Security coordination—counter-terrorism

III. Significance of China
A. CPEC investments as economic backbone
B. Defence cooperation (e.g. JF-17, infrastructure)
C. Diplomatic support in multilateral forums

  1. Risks of Over-Tilting
    A. Jeopardizing CPEC and China ties
    B. Repeating history of over-dependence on US
    C. Undermining national strategic autonomy
  2. Way Forward
    A. Embrace multi-vector diplomacy
    B. Leverage both relationships pragmatically
    C. Keep national interest as guiding principle
  3. Conclusion
    Balance with sovereignty must guide Pakistan’s foreign policy

Expanded Outline

  1. Introduction
    Pakistan stands at a critical foreign policy juncture, where it must wisely navigate growing engagement with the US while preserving its strategic partnership with China.
  2. Importance of US Relations
    Washington offers economic relief through trade and investment, plus strategic advantages via influence in global institutions and security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism.

III. Significance of China
China supports Pakistan through CPEC—worth over $62 billion—as well as defence ties (e.g. JF-17) and vital diplomatic backing in forums like the UN. (Dawn)

  1. Risks of Over-Tilting
    Prioritizing the US could alienate China and derail development partnerships. Likewise, excessive US dependence has historically led to volatility and loss of autonomy.
  2. Way Forward
    Pakistan should balance relations, maintaining engagement with both powers, while prioritizing economic self-reliance and sovereignty.
  3. Conclusion
    A balanced foreign policy is essential—Pakistan’s sovereignty depends on it.

Vocabulary

Word Synonyms Antonyms Urdu Meaning
Tilt lean, shift balance, neutrality جھکاؤ
Sovereignty ⭐ autonomy, independence dependence, subordination خودمختاری
Leverage ⭐ influence, advantage weakness, powerlessness اثر و رسوخ
Strategic ⭐ calculated, planned random, impulsive حکمتِ عملی پر مبنی
Alienate estrange, isolate unite, reconcile بیگانہ کرنا

Important Facts & Figures

  • CPEC investment: Over $62 billion by 2025 (Dawn)
  • China’s defence cooperation: includes JF-17 and infrastructure projects

MCQs

  1. CPEC investments are approximately:
    $42bn  b. $52bn  c. $62bn  d. $72bn
    Answer: c. $62bn
  2. Pakistan’s sovereignty risks being undermined if:
    It balances ties b. Over-relies on one power c. Avoids major powers
    Answer: b. Over-relies on one power

    Better Pak-US Ties Should Not Come at the Cost of China Cooperation

    (Published Aug 23/24, 2025) (Dawn)

    Outline

    1. Introduction
      A. Pakistan’s geopolitical crossroads
      B. US offers opportunity—economy & security
      C. China remains a durable strategic ally
    2. Importance of US Relations
      A. Economic integration—trade & investment
      B. Global institutional support—IMF, WB, FATF
      C. Security coordination—counter-terrorism

    III. Significance of China
    A. CPEC investments as economic backbone
    B. Defence cooperation (e.g. JF-17, infrastructure)
    C. Diplomatic support in multilateral forums

    1. Risks of Over-Tilting
      A. Jeopardizing CPEC and China ties
      B. Repeating history of over-dependence on US
      C. Undermining national strategic autonomy
    2. Way Forward
      A. Embrace multi-vector diplomacy
      B. Leverage both relationships pragmatically
      C. Keep national interest as guiding principle
    3. Conclusion
      Balance with sovereignty must guide Pakistan’s foreign policy

    Expanded Outline

    1. Introduction
      Pakistan stands at a critical foreign policy juncture, where it must wisely navigate growing engagement with the US while preserving its strategic partnership with China.
    2. Importance of US Relations
      Washington offers economic relief through trade and investment, plus strategic advantages via influence in global institutions and security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism.

    III. Significance of China
    China supports Pakistan through CPEC—worth over $62 billion—as well as defence ties (e.g. JF-17) and vital diplomatic backing in forums like the UN. (Dawn)

    1. Risks of Over-Tilting
      Prioritizing the US could alienate China and derail development partnerships. Likewise, excessive US dependence has historically led to volatility and loss of autonomy.
    2. Way Forward
      Pakistan should balance relations, maintaining engagement with both powers, while prioritizing economic self-reliance and sovereignty.
    3. Conclusion
      A balanced foreign policy is essential—Pakistan’s sovereignty depends on it.

    Vocabulary

    Word Synonyms Antonyms Urdu Meaning
    Tilt lean, shift balance, neutrality جھکاؤ
    Sovereignty ⭐ autonomy, independence dependence, subordination خودمختاری
    Leverage ⭐ influence, advantage weakness, powerlessness اثر و رسوخ
    Strategic ⭐ calculated, planned random, impulsive حکمتِ عملی پر مبنی
    Alienate estrange, isolate unite, reconcile بیگانہ کرنا

    Important Facts & Figures

    • CPEC investment: Over $62 billion by 2025 (Dawn)
    • China’s defence cooperation: includes JF-17 and infrastructure projects

    MCQs

    1. CPEC investments are approximately:
      $42bn  b. $52bn  c. $62bn  d. $72bn
      Answer: c. $62bn
    2. Pakistan’s sovereignty risks being undermined if:
      It balances ties b. Over-relies on one power c. Avoids major powers
      Answer: b. Over-relies on one power
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