Pakistan's Relations with the United States and China in the Post-9/11 Era

Abstract

This paper intends to explore the key elements that contribute to reshaping Pakistan's relations with the United States (US) and China in the post-9/11 era. In addition, the reasons contributing to how the US and China are perceived in Pakistan have been examined. The US and China both use different approaches in their relations with Pakistan. The US makes unilateral decisions, poses economic and security threats to Pakistan in pursuing its objectives, while China makes bilateral decisions and asserts itself as a soft power in its relations with Pakistan. The Pew Research Center's public opinion poll data shows that the US has become increasingly unpopular in Pakistan even after its substantial economic and military aid to Pakistan. China, on the other hand, has been able to win the hearts and minds of Pakistanis even though its economic and military aid to Pakistan in comparison to the US aid package is not nearly as significant. The study also reveals that Pakistan has grave concerns about future developments in the region after the US withdraws its forces from Afghanistan.