Pakistan’s increasing dependence on China is sparking worries about Islamabad’s ability to maintain operational independence and military sovereignty, especially in a significant conflict involving China’s alleged role in Pakistan’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program.
China has played a crucial role in enhancing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities since the 1970s, providing enriched uranium, essential materials, and expertise, as highlighted in a report by Marcus Andreopoulos, a senior research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Foundation. The report, published in the UK-based ‘Royal Society for Asian Affairs,’ also mentions the concerns raised in Washington regarding this development.
The former Biden administration had imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and a research institute for their involvement in aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, preceding sanctions on other Chinese firms for similar violations. Lindsay Ford, a former advisor on South Asia, warned in June 2024 about a potential nuclear threat to the US from Pakistan, driven by rising paranoia in Islamabad following American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in 2025.
The report emphasized that recent events indicate Washington’s focus on strengthening economic ties with Pakistan, overlooking security concerns. The current US administration’s approach seems to prioritize economic interests over regional security, fostering closer engagement with Pakistan’s military-backed government despite concerns about political repression in the country. The report questions whether this approach will lead to any efforts to curb Pakistan’s ICBM program.
