https://english.news.cn/20250904/a8387f9bc9af4c61bb9533131db32073/c.html
This article is about the Chinese premier Li qiang meeting the Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif. They met in Beijing during the SCO summit and the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of Japanese aggression. During the meeting they agreed to upgrade their economic corridor that focuses on major projects between them. China agreed to import more goods from Pakistan if Pakistan would reaffirm its support for China’s position on Taiwan. China agreed to help Pakistan enhance counterterrorism capabilities and they signed cooperation documents in many fields like economy, trade and AI. This meeting gave China an opportunity to strengthen its influence even more in South Asia through trade, diplomatic alignment and infrastructure.
I think that this meeting happened because China wants to build more reliable alliances. Currently China doesn’t have many strong alliances except with North Korea and Russia. This alliance works for Pakistan because they need investment and help with infrastructure right now so aligning with China for the time being is very beneficial to them. Their alliances could also be because China is trying to reinforce their global image, this alliance helps to show that China’s investment isn’t just in infrastructure but also in mutual benefit. One lasting impact of this could be an effect on regional balances, because of enhanced security cooperation between them, China’s security influence in Pakistan is going to increase.
I think that the Pakistan Government is probably going to respond positively to this because it provides them with new opportunities, like trade benefits, new jobs, infrastructure and investment. Although They could have some concerns going into debt, and security in some regions. China is gaining more influence from this and their securing trade routes and their western front posture. Another stakeholder that this affects is India. They probably view this as a deepening of China’s influence near its border and that would make them uneasy. This could push India to do more economically or diplomatically near Pakistan or with the countries that neighbor it.
Some themes in this situation that connect back to class are a balance of power. Their alliances affects the current balance of power because it encourages Pakistan to counterbalance India. This aligns with China’s goal of limiting India’s regional dominance, China and Pakistan both see India as a competitor. Another theme from class seen here is Hard and soft power. Hard power uses coercion and military or economic strength to influence a country. Soft power is a persuasive approach and relies on attracting others through things like culture, foreign policy and political values. China used soft power to appeal to Pakistan.