🇺🇸 Trump Takes Center Stage in Pakistan’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Pakistan’s foreign policy seems to be walking a tightrope as Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir intensify their outreach to US President Donald Trump, while Defence Minister Khwaja Asif simultaneously declares China as Pakistan’s “most special friend.” The contrasting statements from Islamabad’s top leadership highlight Pakistan’s continued strategy of trying to maintain strong ties with both Washington and Beijing — two global rivals with conflicting strategic interests.
Recently, Shahbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir held a high-profile meeting with Trump at the White House, underscoring Islamabad’s renewed diplomatic push toward the US administration. The meeting also saw the presence of US Vice President J.D. Vance and Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio, signaling Washington’s interest in engaging with Pakistan’s current power structure.
🗣 Khwaja Asif: “China is Pakistan’s Most Trusted Ally”
While Sharif was busy showering praises on Trump, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif gave a candid interview to British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he openly declared China as Pakistan’s most reliable and strategic partner.
“China has always been our most trusted companion. A large part of our aircraft, submarines, and weapons come from China. For us, the reliability of China and the importance of being neighbors outweighs other countries,” Asif stated.
He contrasted this with Pakistan’s ties with the US, calling them “transactional or flirting.” Asif emphasized that while Pakistan has historically shared close ties with Washington, China remains its permanent and dependable ally.
🤝 Sharif’s Praise for Trump at UNGA
At the United Nations General Assembly, Shahbaz Sharif stunned many observers by referring to Donald Trump as a “man of peace.” Sharif even went as far as backing nominations for Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, a remark that has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles.
Sharif praised Trump’s previous diplomatic efforts during his presidency, particularly regarding South Asia and the Taliban negotiations. This was seen as a strategic attempt by Islamabad to win favor with Trump, who has often criticized Pakistan for “double-dealing” during the Afghan war.
India, however, dismissed these statements, pointing out that neither Trump nor Sharif played any meaningful role in de-escalating tensions during the Kashmir conflict.
📝 Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Defense Pact Adds Another Layer
The diplomatic developments come shortly after Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia, under which both countries pledged to support each other in case of any external aggression. The agreement was signed during Sharif’s official visit to Saudi Arabia in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This move further complicates Pakistan’s foreign policy positioning. On one hand, it is strengthening military ties with Riyadh and Beijing; on the other, it is attempting to reset relations with Washington under Trump’s leadership.
🌍 Analysis: Riding Two Boats Could Be Risky
Experts believe that Islamabad’s dual strategy of wooing both Washington and Beijing could backfire if either power perceives Pakistan as being unreliable. While Trump’s personal diplomacy may open temporary doors, Pakistan’s deep economic dependence on China through CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) is a long-term structural reality.
Khwaja Asif’s blunt statement reflects this reality, whereas Sharif’s praise for Trump seems more tactical, aimed at improving short-term diplomatic leverage with the US.
As the global power game intensifies between Washington and Beijing, Pakistan may find it increasingly difficult to balance both sides without facing geopolitical consequences.