Pakistan strengthens China ties amid India ceasefire and US involvement

Pakistan recently faced a challenging period marked by Indian missile and drone strikes targeting its military bases and urban areas. To counter these attacks, Pakistan deployed a diverse mix of defense resources, including Chinese missile systems, air defenses, fighter jets from China and the United States, and diplomatic efforts led by the US.

These combined efforts helped Pakistan prevent severe damage to its airbases and claim it downed several Indian aircraft, a claim India has not publicly confirmed or denied. The diplomatic maneuvering resulted in a ceasefire, which Pakistan openly welcomed and thanked the Trump administration for facilitating.

Despite the US increasingly favoring India as its key South Asian partner, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to China. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Beijing, meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi shortly after the ceasefire. Their discussions covered the recent conflict’s consequences, the ceasefire, and Pakistan’s condemnation of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a deadly attack in Kashmir blamed on Pakistan-based groups.

China welcomed the ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of peace for both nations and regional stability. Experts highlight that the Pakistan-China alliance is crucial amid shifting South Asian geopolitics, with India leaning closer to the US to counter China’s growing influence.

Dar’s visit also served to inform China of Pakistan’s cooperation with the US on the ceasefire and to reassure Beijing of Pakistan’s ongoing strategic partnership. Additionally, China remains deeply invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative that faces security challenges, especially in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

Ensuring the safety of thousands of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan is a top priority for Beijing, which has urged both India and Pakistan to maintain calm. Analysts describe China’s diplomatic approach as a delicate balancing act—supporting Pakistan while avoiding alienating India.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s engagement with both China and the US illustrates its efforts to navigate complex regional rivalries and secure its strategic interests in South Asia.