A Critical Analysis of Pakistan’s Hedging Dilemma and China-US Rivalry in 21st Century

Abstract

The world is witnessing one of the major confrontations of history between the two major powers of the 21^st century, the United States and China. The period of cooperation and good relations between the United States and China which was started in 1970s has ended. Since the Trump Administration, Washington and Beijing relations have transformed significantly. The two countries are now confronting each other on several fronts. Firstly, being initiated from the United States side, Trade war remains a significant element of the current Sino-US rivalry. The Trade war was started after Trump carried out an investigation into Chinese economic activities. The trade war witnessed the imposition of heavy duties on Chinese items by the United States which met with similar response from the Chinese side. Secondly, the “Strategic Partnership” between the United States and India, aimed at containing China, is major characteristic of the current Sino-US rivalry. The confrontation between the two most influential countries Washington and Beijing have brought with it serious implications for Pakistan. The paper gives an account of the Sino-US rivalry and Indo-US strategic partnership. The paper then discusses Pakistan’s perspective regarding the Sino-US rivalry. Moreover, paper delves into the impacts of the rivalry on Pakistan.