Exploring the Pakistan-China Relationship: Insights from Former High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Visits China Amid Tensions

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has made headlines with his recent trip to China. This marks his first international visit following heightened tensions with India, a situation complicated by military dynamics involving Chinese equipment.

Dar’s agenda includes participating in a trilateral meeting with foreign ministers from Pakistan and Afghanistan. His first stop in China will be a meeting with Premier Li Qiang. This meeting comes at a crucial time as Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister, Ameer Khan Muttaqi, is also expected to arrive shortly.

Significance of the Visit

Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, offers insight into why this visit matters. He highlights that the recent conflict between India and Pakistan illustrated a concerning pattern, with around 80% of military equipment used being of Chinese origin. This not only reflects a troubled cooperative strategy but also exposes weaknesses in both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Given the defeat Pakistan faced in the conflict, Bisaria suggests that the country may seek to acquire more military resources to better compete with India. Economic concerns also loom, particularly regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance, which has stringent conditions. Pakistan is likely to seek more support from China, its main ally.

According to Bisaria, this deepening reliance might pull Pakistan further into China’s sphere of influence, requesting military, economic, and diplomatic backing. He points out that this relationship dynamic isn’t new; China’s role in shielding Pakistan from international backlash has been evident over the years, such as during attempts to designate terrorist Masood Azhar through UN sanctions in 2019.

A Historical Perspective

Looking back to the past, India’s effort to isolate Pakistan has seen mixed results, primarily due to support from China and other nations like Turkey. The ongoing battle for influence illustrates a long-standing regional rivalry, underlined by mutual perceptions of threat.

Lessons for India

Bisaria believes India must continuously improve its military capabilities regardless of external pressures. He recommends increasing the defense budget from the current 1.9% of GDP to at least 3%. This increase is essential to maintain readiness against both Pakistan and China, especially as military collaborations between those countries deepen.

Future Discussions

During his visit, Dar and Chinese officials will also discuss critical regional issues, emphasizing trade and security, particularly in sensitive areas like Kashmir. Recent military operations in India have increased tensions, leading to casualties among terrorist groups linked to Pakistan.

As the international landscape evolves, India’s strategic positioning becomes increasingly vital. It’s seen as a rising power; how it navigates relationships with both China and Pakistan will play a significant role in regional stability.

Moreover, former Indian ambassador KP Fabian notes that while India has managed to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, the latter’s support from China remains robust. This geopolitical chess game continues to shape the interactions between these neighboring countries.

Overall, Pakistan’s foreign minister’s visit to China is more than just diplomacy; it’s part of a complex tapestry of regional politics, military readiness, and economic partnerships that could define the future of South Asia.

For more insights on regional dynamics, you can refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan here.

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PAKISTAN, CHINA, CLIENT, AJAY BISARIA, PAK IS CHINA’S CLIENT STATE, SAYS FORMER HIGH COMMISSIONER AJAY BISARIA