Sino-U.S. Strategic Rivalry and its Impact on Pakistan

Abstract

Sino-US rivalry is intensifying and amid this strategic competition, South Asian middle powers, Pakistan is at a disadvantage as it has to make a hard choice between the two superpowers. This research paper aims to answer Islamabad's dilemma in this situation. For this objective, the study has taken a qualitative case-study approach to analyse Pakistan's relations with Beijing and Washington. The theoretical basis of the analysis is constructed on the bases of theories of Realism and Constructivism. In this strategic Sino-US competition, Pakistan does not need to be completely aligned or completely independent, but on the contrary it should pursue a pragmatic "hedging" approach, with the economic necessity of the CPEC  as well as  an "all weather partnership" with China, and at the same time a transactional relationship with the United States. The present foreign policy of Pakistan is pleasing towards the two major powers rather than following its doctrine of ‘honesty and fair play’.  

Keywords: Sino-US rivalry; Pakistan foreign policy; strategic hedging; CPEC, de-dollarization; power transition; Realism; Constructivism; Taiwan