Pakistan and China have overgone multiple financial agreements signaling their newly created political alignment. The presidents of both countries Xi Jinping and Imran Khan met during the Winter Olympic games which is believed to symbolize Pakistan’s support for China in the United States boycott of the Olympics. “I think Imran Khan’s visit really shows support, Pakistan’s support, for China in the face of this boycott. So it’s a public display of support especially given the number of high-profile ministers who traveled with him to China,” said Madiha Afzal. Furthermore China holds a staggering 27% of Pakistan’s international debt. According to American experts Pakistan is beyond bankrupt and it is currently in a state of collapse.
This action that the Pakistanis have made seems to be almost forced. Pakistan’s economy is slowly dying with their GDP declining 26.4% and with China slowly leading into their country with the belt and road initiative this seems to be something that Pakistan had no choice with. China also holding 27% of Pakistan’s debt is also a red flag because China is able to do whatever they please to recoup that money that Pakistan owes them. Therefore, Pakistan had no control over the symbolism of support denying the United States boycott, because they are economically desperate. As tensions rise between China and the United States the showing of China’s economic prowess on the eastern hemisphere continues to be shown and is nonetheless intimidating.
This relates to class because it is showing the effects of a unipolar system. It shows how other countries are becoming closer and closer to eventually challenge the unipolar country that is the United States which was explained in class. I think that the allies that have also been shown relate to class because it shows how a country’s national interest could be forced through economic desperation.
