Analysts Question Success of US-Pakistan Reset as Islamabad Deepens China Ties

The Trump administration's efforts to reset relations with Pakistan appear to have yielded limited results, as Islamabad continues to strengthen its partnership with Beijing. Analysts note that despite a brief thaw in US-Pakistan ties following Trump's initial outreach, Pakistan's strategic and economic interests remain closely aligned with China. Pakistan has long viewed China as its most reliable ally, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC has brought billions in infrastructure investment, which Islamabad sees as vital for its economic growth. Meanwhile, US engagement with Pakistan has been inconsistent, often driven by counterterrorism goals in Afghanistan. After Trump's invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2019, hopes for a reset emerged, but subsequent US actions, like cutting military aid, have strained ties. Islamabad also values China's support at international forums, especially on issues related to Kashmir and security. Experts say Pakistan's dependence on China is unlikely to diminish unless the US offers a more sustainable economic partnership. While the US remains a key player in South Asia, the reset appears incomplete, with Pakistan's tilt towards China persisting. Pakistan's foreign policy balancing act continues, but the scale is tipped heavily towards Beijing. As global powers compete in the region, Islamabad seems to have made its choice.