The 21st century geopolitics revolve around the strategic competition between US and China. China’s increasing economy and influence is posing a threat to US hegemony in the region. US, which has been the sole superpower since the Second World War, has been reluctant of China’s increasing influence. This competition has resulted in a new cold war scenario and put other countries in a tremendous position. This sudden shift has significantly contributed to tensions for developing countries which are dependent on both global powers, casting doubt for the future of global power competition. The upcoming US elections will shape the debate regarding the future of global power competition. Both Trump and Harris, fighting for presidential-ship, have equivalent stance on China as a potential danger to the US interests in the region.
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the most prominent area for geostrategic competition, where China has significantly extended its influence. Regional states are increasingly drawn toward China due to economic benefits, altering the dynamics of the area. Through QUAD and AUKUS, US has been engaged in coalition mechanisms to counter China’s influence in the region. As a result, the ongoing US-China competition has transformed the region’s geopolitical landscape. US has also implemented heavy trade tariffs against China as a means of countering its economic ascent.
China is rapidly advancing in various fields including technology, energy, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, information science, and semiconductors. The growing influence across these sectors showcases China’s expanding global power. The US, aiming to prevent China from achieving its technological ambitions, is especially concerned about China’s five-year economic plan for 2021-2026, which places AI as a top priority. Although tariffs alone may not deter China from developing new AI-driven military technologies, the US may explore alternative strategies to counter China’s technological emergence in the future. China has been strengthening its diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, making it difficult for the US to isolate China diplomatically. The alliance between Russia and China presents a significant challenge to the US, potentially setting the stage for a new Cold War scenario. Meanwhile, US has accused China of using ‘debt trap diplomacy’ to exert pressure on the developing countries.
The developing states are reluctant to choose between US and China in their strategic conflict due to the benefits they gain from both states. For Pakistan, China is an all-weather friend while the US is also a strategic partner. Pakistan maintains strong ties with both; China, as a close ally, supports Pakistan through economic projects like the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at promoting Eurasian economic integration.
The US, in turn, has given economic and military aid to Pakistan to stabilise its economy. It differs from Russia, where sanctions have been imposed by the US and is now being economically supported by China. Pakistan, on the other hand, remains totally dependent on the US for an economic balance. Pakistan, with its geostrategic position, is of paramount importance to the US therefore, CPEC represents a threat to the US in this region. Thus, Pakistan should be careful with both China and the US and not to incline towards any side. In balancing diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and focusing on peaceful relations, Pakistan will be able to establish a relationship in which its growth and stability will be prioritised. In this way, Pakistan would engage both the states by providing each of them a good opportunity for mutual gain without being dragged into international power rivalries.
