The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gfpr.2026(IX-I).03      10.31703/gfpr.2026(IX-I).03      Published : Mar 2026
Authored by : Ziarat Ali , Ghulam Mustafa , Anwar Ali

03 Pages : 18-31

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gfpr.2026(IX-I).03      10.31703/gfpr.2026(IX-I).03      Published : Mar 2026

The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China

    This research critically examines Pakistan's evolving geopolitical significance within its complex relationships with the United States and China. The study analyzes how Pakistan's unique strategic location, historical alliances, and contemporary economic and security interests position it as a key player in the regional and global power competition between these two influential countries. Employing a comprehensive literature review, the investigation synthesizes insights from academic articles, reports, and policy analyses to construct a nuanced understanding. The paper traces Pakistan's historical alliance with the U.S. during the Cold War and the War on Terror, noting changes post-U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. It highlights the growing partnership with China, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which boosts Pakistan's infrastructure while serving China's interests. The research discusses Pakistan's balancing act between both nations to address security concerns, especially regarding India, amid a changing global landscape, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities in maintaining this geopolitical balance.

    Geopolitics, Pakistan, United States, China, CPEC
    (1) Ziarat Ali
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Ghulam Mustafa
    Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Anwar Ali
    Assistant Professor (OPS), Department of Political Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
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Cite this article

    CHICAGO : Ali, Ziarat, Ghulam Mustafa, and Anwar Ali. 2026. "The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China." Global Foreign Policies Review, IX (I): 18-31 doi: 10.31703/gfpr.2026(IX-I).03
    HARVARD : ALI, Z., MUSTAFA, G. & ALI, A. 2026. The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China. Global Foreign Policies Review, IX, 18-31.
    MHRA : Ali, Ziarat, Ghulam Mustafa, and Anwar Ali. 2026. "The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China." Global Foreign Policies Review, IX: 18-31
    MLA : Ali, Ziarat, Ghulam Mustafa, and Anwar Ali. "The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China." Global Foreign Policies Review, IX.I (2026): 18-31 Print.
    OXFORD : Ali, Ziarat, Mustafa, Ghulam, and Ali, Anwar (2026), "The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China", Global Foreign Policies Review, IX (I), 18-31
    TURABIAN : Ali, Ziarat, Ghulam Mustafa, and Anwar Ali. "The Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan in Relations to the U.S and China." Global Foreign Policies Review IX, no. I (2026): 18-31. https://doi.org/10.31703/gfpr.2026(IX-I).03