Pakistan’s relationship with China is often described as an “all-weather friendship,” one rooted in shared strategic interests, economic collaboration, and regional security concerns. Over the decades, this relationship has evolved into a multifaceted alliance encompassing military cooperation, infrastructure development, and diplomatic support. However, the growing dependency on China has sparked debates over whether this partnership is truly an asset or if it has begun to pose liabilities for Pakistan in the long run.

Historically, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties in 1951, and since then, their bond has deepened significantly. The Sino-Indian war of 1962 played a crucial role in strengthening this relationship, as both countries found a common adversary in India. Pakistan was one of the first nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China, and this goodwill was reciprocated by Beijing in multiple ways, particularly in military and economic support. Over time, China became Pakistan’s largest arms supplier, a critical partner in its nuclear program, and a strong advocate on international platforms such as the United Nations.
One of the defining aspects of Pakistan-China relations in recent years has been the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and investment initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Launched in 2015, CPEC aimed to enhance Pakistan’s infrastructure, improve its energy sector, and create new economic opportunities. Projects such as highways, railways, and Gwadar Port development have been at the core of this collaboration. The economic benefits of CPEC have been hailed by Pakistan’s leadership as a game-changer for the country’s struggling economy, promising job creation, industrial development, and energy security.
However, despite its promise, CPEC has raised concerns over debt sustainability and sovereignty. Many critics argue that Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Chinese loans and investments has placed the country in a precarious financial situation. The opaque nature of CPEC agreements has also fueled suspicions about whether Pakistan is getting a fair deal or if it is falling into a debt trap similar to other nations involved in the BRI. Sri Lanka’s experience with Chinese-funded projects, which led to the loss of Hambantota Port due to debt repayment issues, serves as a cautionary tale for Pakistan.
In addition to economic concerns, security remains a significant challenge. Chinese investments in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, have faced resistance from local communities and separatist groups. Attacks on Chinese personnel and projects have led to diplomatic tensions, with Beijing pressing Islamabad to ensure the security of its nationals and assets. These security issues have strained the economic viability of CPEC and raised questions about Pakistan’s ability to safeguard its own development projects.
Militarily, China’s support has been instrumental in strengthening Pakistan’s defense capabilities. From supplying advanced fighter jets to helping Pakistan develop its missile technology, China has played a pivotal role in balancing regional power dynamics, especially against India. Joint military exercises and defense pacts further underscore the strategic nature of this alliance. However, this reliance on China for military aid raises concerns about self-sufficiency and whether Pakistan is compromising its strategic autonomy by aligning too closely with Beijing.
On the diplomatic front, China has been Pakistan’s unwavering ally, particularly in countering Indian influence and shielding it from international scrutiny on various issues, including terrorism allegations and human rights concerns. Beijing’s support at the United Nations, especially in preventing sanctions or adverse resolutions against Pakistan, has been invaluable. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s overt dependence on Chinese backing could limit its ability to pursue a more balanced foreign policy, potentially alienating other global partners such as the United States and European nations.
Another crucial aspect of Pakistan-China relations is trade, where the balance overwhelmingly Favors China. Despite the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, Pakistani exports to China remain limited compared to the massive inflow of Chinese goods into Pakistani markets. This trade imbalance raises concerns about Pakistan’s economic sustainability and whether local industries can compete with cheaper Chinese products.
Furthermore, China’s internal policies and global strategies also influence Pakistan’s standing. Beijing’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang has been a sensitive issue, especially considering Pakistan’s position as a leading Muslim-majority country. While Islamabad has largely remained silent on the matter to preserve its relationship with China, this stance has drawn criticism from human rights groups and sections of its own population. Such diplomatic tightrope walking highlights the complexities of this alliance and whether Pakistan’s silence on critical global issues serves its long-term interests.
The evolving geopolitical landscape also affects Pakistan-China relations. The growing US-India strategic partnership, QUAD (comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia), and China’s increasing tensions with Western nations all play a role in shaping Islamabad’s foreign policy. While China’s support provides Pakistan with strategic leverage, an overreliance on Beijing could isolate Pakistan from the West, impacting trade, defence cooperation, and financial aid from international institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s relationship with China presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, China’s investments, military support, and diplomatic backing have strengthened Pakistan’s position in the region. On the other hand, the economic and strategic dependencies created by this alliance raise significant concerns about long-term sustainability and autonomy. The key for Pakistan lies in striking a balance—leveraging its partnership with China while diversifying its economic and diplomatic engagements to avoid overdependence.
In conclusion, whether Pakistan’s relationship with China is an asset or a liability is a matter of perspective. While the alliance has provided numerous benefits, including infrastructure development, military aid, and diplomatic support, it also comes with risks such as economic dependency, security challenges, and limited foreign policy flexibility. As Pakistan moves forward, it must reassess its strategic interests, ensuring that its partnership with China serves as a foundation for sustainable growth rather than a constraint on its sovereignty and self-reliance.