Between two giants: Pakistan courts America but keeps China close

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reiterated that China remains the country’s foremost strategic ally, even as Islamabad deepens engagements with the United States and formalizes defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in an interview with British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan, Asif stressed that Beijing is “not worried” by Pakistan’s recent outreach to Washington, describing China as Pakistan’s “all-weather friend.” He highlighted decades-long defence and economic ties, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and noted that about 80% of Pakistan’s arms over the last four years have been sourced from China.

The minister further recalled the last high-level meeting between the heads of state of China and Pakistan, emphasizing Beijing’s ongoing investments across infrastructure, energy, and strategic sectors.

Asif, recently took to office as field marshal, also discussed Pakistan’s recent interactions with the US, including a White House meeting where President Donald Trump hosted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. The discussions, behind closed doors, reportedly covered security cooperation, trade, regional stability, and ongoing US involvement in Pakistan’s oil reserves exploration and energy projects . Asif clarified that these engagements are “transactional” and do not threaten the long-term partnership with China: “China fully understands our foreign policy approach and is not worried about our diplomatic engagements elsewhere.”

On regional security, Asif highlighted Pakistan’s recently signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, which formalizes cooperation against external aggression. He noted that while Pakistan maintains complex but significant relations with the US, China continues to play a pivotal role as a reliable supplier of defence equipment, including submarines and aircraft, and also s a long-term economic partner.

The Defence Minister underscored that China’s support remains consistent and dependable, unlike other potential partners, reinforcing Beijing’s position as Pakistan’s “all-weather” friend and top strategic ally despite the recent developments in relation with the USA.