| Summary/Abstract |
It is always a risky affair, especially for a weak state to strike the right balance while
dealing with two great powers having serious conflicting interests in a particular
region. For a country like Pakistan which remains dependent on foreign aid, running
an independent foreign policy seems quite difficult. While Pakistan’s relations with
China continued to remain smooth throughout history, its relations with the United
States has been more of a roller coaster than a smooth ride but still both could never
be too apart from each other because of various compelling reasons. Currently,
China and Pakistan are extensively engaged in promoting their mutual economic
and strategic interests that go against the U.S. interests. Therefore, in the case of a
possible conflict between United States and China, Pakistan might be trapped in
a catch-22 because it cannot afford to infuriate the United States beyond certain
limits. In such a trap, staying neutral might be even riskier. Slow and steady change
in the status of Gilgit–Baltistan beyond a certain level for promotion of the China–
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would also be a serious trap. Pakistan could
afford to lose economic benefits of the CPEC but it cannot afford to give up its
claim over Kashmir which remains the “lifeline” for its survival. Pakistani Generals
fighting on exterior fronts must therefore, make smart moves to ensure that at no
stage should Islamabad be compelled to put all its eggs in one basket.
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