How Pakistan and the United States Can Unite to Address China’s Growing Influence

In an era defined by shifting global alliances and intensifying great power competition, Pakistan stands at a pivotal crossroads. With China’s economic and military influence expanding across Asia and beyond, the United States offers Pakistan a strategic partnership grounded in shared interests, democratic values, and mutual prosperity. By deepening ties with Washington, Pakistan can not only safeguard its national interests but also play a critical role in fostering regional stability and countering China’s assertive ambitions. This collaboration, rooted in trust and reciprocity, promises to unlock a future of security, economic growth, and global relevance for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s geographic position makes it a linchpin in South Asia, a region increasingly shaped by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its strategic maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific. While China has invested heavily in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), these projects often come with strings attached—debt burdens, opaque agreements, and a growing dependence on Beijing. In contrast, the United States offers a partnership that respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains.

The U.S. has consistently demonstrated its commitment to countering authoritarian expansionism, and Pakistan can align with this vision to address China’s destabilizing actions. For instance, China’s territorial assertiveness in the South China Sea, its border disputes with India, and its influence in Central Asia threaten the balance of power in Pakistan’s neighborhood. By collaborating with the U.S., Pakistan can contribute to a rules-based international order that curbs Beijing’s overreach while ensuring its own security.

Military cooperation is a cornerstone of this partnership. The U.S. has a proven track record of equipping its allies with advanced technology and training to deter aggression. Pakistan, with its battle-hardened military, can benefit from renewed defense agreements, joint exercises, and intelligence-sharing to strengthen its capabilities against external threats. Such collaboration would not only bolster Pakistan’s defenses but also position it as a key U.S. ally in monitoring China’s activities along critical trade routes, including those tied to CPEC.

China’s economic grip on Pakistan, particularly through CPEC, has raised concerns about unsustainable debt and limited economic diversification. The United States, with its vast market and global financial influence, can offers Pakistan an alternative path to prosperity. By expanding trade ties with the U.S., Pakistan can reduce its reliance on Chinese loans and create opportunities for its textile, agriculture, and technology sectors.

The U.S. can support Pakistan’s economic growth through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and renewable energy—sectors critical to Pakistan’s development but often overlooked by China’s resource-heavy projects. Unlike Beijing’s model, which prioritizes Chinese companies and labor, U.S. investment emphasizes local empowerment, job creation, and sustainable growth. For example, American firms could partner with Pakistan to develop its untapped mineral resources, estimated to be worth trillions, ensuring profits benefit Pakistani workers and communities rather than foreign entities.

Moreover, the U.S. can help Pakistan integrate into global trade networks by advocating for its inclusion in free trade agreements and providing technical assistance to meet international standards. This would open doors to Western markets, reducing Pakistan’s dependence on China as a primary trading partner. The recent interest from U.S. companies in Pakistan’s minerals sector is a promising sign of what deeper economic ties could achieve.

Beyond economics and security, the U.S. offers Pakistan a partnership built on shared values—democracy, freedom, and innovation. China’s model of governance, with its emphasis on control and surveillance, contrasts sharply with the open, pluralistic society Pakistan aspires to build. By aligning with the U.S., Pakistan can strengthen its democratic institutions, promote human rights, Religious Freedom and foster a vibrant civil society that resists authoritarian influence.

Educational and cultural exchanges are a powerful tool in this regard. The U.S. has a long history of supporting Pakistani students and professionals through programs like the Fulbright Scholarship, which cultivate leaders who value democratic principles and global cooperation. Expanding these initiatives can counter China’s growing presence in Pakistan’s academic and cultural spheres, where Beijing has sought to shape narratives through Confucius Institutes and media partnerships.

Technology is another critical domain. China’s export of surveillance systems and digital infrastructure raises concerns about privacy and autonomy. The U.S., as a leader in innovation, can offer Pakistan access to cutting-edge technologies that prioritize transparency and security. By adopting American standards for cybersecurity and 5G networks, Pakistan can protect its digital sovereignty and reduce vulnerabilities to Chinese influence.

Critics may argue that aligning with the U.S. risks antagonizing China, Pakistan’s largest investor and a neighbor with significant influence. However, a pro-U.S. stance does not require severing ties with Beijing. Instead, Pakistan can pursue a balanced foreign policy that leverages American support to negotiate better terms with China, ensuring CPEC and other projects serve Pakistan’s interests rather than Beijing’s.

The U.S. has shown flexibility in supporting allies who maintain relations with China, as seen in its partnerships with India and Southeast Asian nations. By engaging openly with Washington, Pakistan can gain leverage to diversify its foreign relations, reducing its overreliance on any single power. This approach strengthens Pakistan’s position as a confident, independent player on the global stage.

Pakistan’s future lies in forging bold, forward-thinking alliances that prioritize its sovereignty and prosperity. The United States, with its unmatched economic, military, and cultural influence, is the ideal partner to help Pakistan navigate the challenges posed by China’s rise. By deepening security cooperation, expanding trade, and embracing shared values, Pakistan can not only counter Beijing’s overreach but also secure a brighter future for its people.

The time for hesitation is over. Pakistan must seize this opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States, a nation that has consistently championed freedom and stability. Together, we can build a partnership that not only addresses the challenges of today but also shapes a more secure and prosperous tomorrow for South Asia and beyond.