Pakistan’s strong backing of China’s endeavors to reunite with Taiwan through all possible means has sparked alarm. A joint statement from China and Pakistan, as highlighted in a report by the Politeia Research Foundation, openly endorses Beijing’s stance on the South China Sea, legitimizing its coercive actions. This alignment not only affects Taiwan but also impacts countries in the Indo-Pacific region committed to a rules-based order and freedom of navigation.
The growing strategic alignment between China and Pakistan on various fronts, including Taiwan and the South China Sea, is causing apprehension about America’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The report emphasizes the need for the US to reassess its engagement with Pakistan, as Islamabad’s actions are perceived to undermine US interests in the region, particularly in partnership with India. This shift in Pakistan’s stance is viewed as detrimental to the US Indo-Pacific strategy, as it aligns with China’s assertive behavior.
The report underscores the significance of US engagements with India, highlighting Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s emphasis on a “strategic alliance” during his recent visit. This signals a convergence of long-term strategic interests between India and the US in the Indo-Pacific region. The US is urged to avoid compromising its interests in the Indo-Pacific, especially concerning Taiwan, and weakening its partnership with India for the sake of Pakistan.
