Ties Among Powers
Ties Among Powers: Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in St Petersburg about global politics. Discussed Russia’s relations with China, India, and Pakistan. He said China does not control Pakistan. He called Pakistan a large country with ties to many states. Pointed to Russia’s own flexible foreign policy.
Pakistan Multisector Strategy
Pakistan builds strength by working with many powers. It keeps ties with China, the United States, and Russia. This strategy gives Pakistan more options in world politics. Pakistan must balance trust between rival partners.
Pakistan-China Relations Shift
Pakistan’s ties with China have entered a new phase. Leaders from Pakistan visited Beijing on the 75th anniversary of relations. They signed several agreements. China now focuses more on defence and security cooperation. Economic projects like CPEC remain important, but security has become a higher priority. China supports Pakistan’s sovereignty. Pakistan still handles its own economic and governance problems.
China-Russia Global Strategy
China expands its global influence through new initiatives. These include development, security, civilization, and governance programs. Pakistan signed agreements under these initiatives. China sees this as Pakistan staying within its influence. This creates a challenge for Pakistan, which prefers balanced relations.
Russia also keeps ties with many countries. It balances relations with China, India, and Pakistan. Both Russia and China gain when the United States stays busy in West Asia. This reduces US influence and increases their own space.
Russia Taliban Pakistan Link
Russia also talks with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. It signed a military-technical cooperation deal. The work now focuses on repairing old equipment. Some experts fear stronger Taliban forces could raise security risks in the region, including Pakistan.
Pakistan has also become important to Russia for diplomacy. Pakistan helps in talks between Iran and the United States. Russia sees Pakistan as a useful communication channel with Washington.
Pakistan Foreign Policy Balance
Russia maintains strong ties with India and also improves relations with Pakistan. Pakistan knows Russia values India more strategically. So Pakistan watches how this balance changes over time.
Pakistan does not fully follow China’s direction. China still wants close strategic influence over Pakistan. Pakistan continues ties with the US, Europe, and West Asia. China watches these relations carefully. Still, Pakistan and China are expected to stay strong partners for a long time.
Published in Dawn, 7th June 2026
