Image credit: Reuters
Earlier this week, the United States sought $101 million to help Pakistan stabilize its economy, strengthen its democracy and, most importantly, reduce its “over-dependence” on China. Pakistan has welcomed the move but has denied the possibility of sacrificing ties with Beijing for improved ties with Washington.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said “Pakistan does not believe in a zero-sum relationship.”
“For us, our relations with the United States and China are both important. We do not believe in a situation where we can sacrifice our relations with one country for the sake of our relations with the other,” she added.
She also said China is Pakistan’s steadfast and reliable strategic partner and stressed that Islamabad is committed to further strengthening this bond. At the same time, Pakistan values its strong ties with the United States and advocates for constructive engagement with the US.
“We want to develop this relationship on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” Baloch said.
US aid to Pakistan
On July 23, US Under Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lew requested a $101 million aid package from Pakistan.
In a statement to a subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Lew stressed that the goal of the aid is to stabilize Pakistan’s economy while supporting democratic values and human rights.
According to the budget request document, the aid is also intended to “compete with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), counter Russian and Chinese disinformation, and prevent terrorist groups from threatening the national security of the United States.”
Lu also said the US wanted to prevent Islamabad from becoming “further over-dependent” on Beijing through financial support.
“When it comes to investment, China is the past and we are the future,” Lu said, adding that Washington wants to strike a balance regarding China’s “strong and growing influence” in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Dependence on China
China has come to play a major role in helping Pakistan recover.
It has been a major source of economic aid for the country, funding various development projects including infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan.
Pakistan has received significant loans from China, especially through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These loans have helped Pakistan address its balance of payments problems and aided its economic development, but they have also increased Pakistan’s debt dependency on China.
The country has also emerged as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners.
Information provided by the institution
Find us on YouTube
subscribe
