Evolving a multipolar world order is now creating challenges for the world especially for the underdeveloped states. In this multi-polarity, the US still remains as a superpower with a rival state China while on the other hand Russia is losing its position regarding this great or superpower status. In this growing world order, Pakistan needs to maintain a balance in order to seek its security as well as economic ties.
Maintaining a good relationship with both states seems difficult for Pakistan as both China and US are the rival stats of each other.
The rise of China as hegemon in the world is a sign of ending uni-polarity. The US must have to tackle the rise of China in order to maintain its superpower status in the world. US have its own set of policies and agendas in order to cover rising China in the whole world. The US wants to control China by different strategies which includes the Indopacific strategy, technological advancement, economic and military aspects.
The China’s geopolitical shift towards the middle east is an alarming sign for US as US was dominant in this region for a longer period of time.In terms of Indo-Pacific strategy, US is continuously bolstering up India in order to tackle the rise of China in that region. While Pakistan is facing a lot of consequences in this regard. This factor influences the country to shift its economic ties towards China including the growing US India relationship.
For this purpose, Pakistan is shifting its economic ties towards China in order to strengthen its economy and maintain its status in the region. The BRI project of China of which CPEC is a part proves the greatest and the foremost opportunity for Pakistan in order to strengthen its economy if Pakistan focus on this. The continuous engagement of Pakistan with China seems a bit weird for US. So, maintain a balanced relations with both states is challenging.
As the military status of Pakistan for the defense purpose is almost achieved. And now, the country shows its shift towards the geo-economic for the first time in its foreign policy. Pakistan should adopt the strategy of “Hedging” rather than balancing in order to maintain a good relationship with both states. Hedging strategy includes the military balancing and economic bandwagoning. Pakistan depends on US for security reasons as well as depends on China for economic and military aspects. SO, for this purpose, hedging is a suitable strategy for the state in the current situation.
The engagement of Pakistan with US and China in terms of hedging creates a lot of opportunities for Pakistan. The hedging strategy has its pros and cons in this engagement of our State with both states. The Pros includes the opportunities to benefit from both US and Chinese economic and military aid. Pakistan can leverage its strategic importance to negotiate favorable terms with both sides. Another important aspect is to maintain the strategic autonomy and avoids the over reliance on any superpower. The Cons includes that the country requires sophisticated diplomatic maneuvering and substantial domestic stability. It includes the risk of becoming battleground for proxy conflicts between US and China. The complex balancing act may impede the full realization of projects like CPEC.So, according to this, Pakistan depends on both Beijing and Washington for security and economic aspect.
So, balancing seems difficult and impossible for Pakistan in order to maintain good relations with both states. The country should shift its balancing strategy towards hedging in order to enhance its economy and status. But Pakistan should implement this strategy in a sophisticated or neutral manner as the country is no more a puppet to any state. And Pakistan should clearly articulate its commitment to national sovereignty. Government should maintain open lines of communication with both states and avoids any type of misunderstanding. This is how hedging can be productive strategy for Pakistan. To conclude, Pakistan ultimately wants strategic assistance and economic aid.
So, instead of fulfilling strategic needs from US and economic aid from China, Pakistan must follow hedging strategy and involves both US and China to get strategic and economic assistance without bow towards anyone.
About the Author: The Author Noor Fatima is a student of International Relations. She is currently pursuing her carrier in international relations as an independent researcher.