Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018

SPOTLIGHT amid the looming economic crisis in the country. Its ﬁ rst priority will be to improve the economic situation at home with the help of its traditional partners — China and Saudi Arabia — and international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is not surprising that Khan travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in his ﬁ rst foreign visit as the new prime minister of Pakistan. Moreover, China has extended help with 'fresh' loansto somewhat unburden the new dispensation in Islamabad. Despite these positives developments, Khan's administration will continue to face some traditional and new foreign policy concerns. In the ﬁ rst month of the new government at Islamabad, various high-rank ofﬁ cials from different countries such as the US, China, Iran visited Pakistan to meet the Khan's administration in order to reinvigorate their bilateral ties. This article will focus on the major outcome(s) of these visits and overall foreign policy considerations of the new government in Islamabad. All-weather Friendship with China Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan to meet the new government in Islamabad. In his ofﬁ cial statement, Khan referred the 'all-weather' Minister Nawaz Sharif for corruption and lack of transparency in the CPEC projects. All these statements created unease and doubts in Beijing regarding the new government's intentions vis-a-vis Chinese investments in Pakistan. To clear these doubts, Wang Yi's visit took place and some clariﬁ cations were made by the PTI government on the above mentioned matter. In addition, Pakistan's Army Chief Javed Bajwa visited China to further handle the situation. Despite these incidents, China will remain the Khan government's ﬁ rst foreign policy priority and a key ally in the region. In addition to their burgeoning bilateral relations, both countries will continue to support each other at multilateral forums. New offers could be in the ofﬁ ng to persuade countries in the region such as Afghanistan, Iran or Saudi Arabia to join CPEC. As the US-Pakistan relations deteriorate, China might see an opportunity to further expand its inﬂ uence in Pakistan; whereas, for the Khan government, China's support will remain vital to balance growing India-US camaraderie in the region. Balancing Relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia Two significant diplomatic events took place in last one month in context to Khan government's foreign policy Despite balancing diplomatic ties, other considerations for the Khan government include urgent fi nancial assistance to improve the shambolic economic situation in Pakistan. friendship with China as a 'cornerstone' of Pakistan's foreign policy. He even pledged to complete the controversial $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as both leaders called for emboldening bilateral strategic partnership. Wang reportedly underscored the signiﬁ cance of China- Pakistan relationship which serves as a model of friendship in interstate relations in the South Asia region. The message was clear, both countries will continue to serve bilateral objectives despite domestic political changes in Pakistan or other geopolitical developments. For China, a military-backed regime in Pakistan may prove beneﬁ cial to fulﬁ l its strategic objectives in the region. The uninterrupted and unhindered work on CPEC projects is crucial for the success of China's long-term Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, there were few hiccups in the initial days of the Khan government. Khan's Advisor on commerce, textiles, industries and investments Abdul Razak Dawood, in an interview to a newspaper, suggested a possible review of the CPEC agreement under the new government in Pakistan. Whereas, Finance Minister Asad Umar promised to bring about transparency to the CPEC projects, details of which remain closely guarded. Moreover, Khan in the past has criticised former Prime considerations: Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif visited Islamabad on 30 August and Khan paid a visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Balancing relations with the two West Asian arch-rivals would be a diplomatic challenge for the new government in Pakistan. The PTI government will make efforts to improve economic and security ties with Iran. With Pakistan drifting away from the US, Tehran's ties with Islamabad may see a new boost in the near future. Moreover, Iran is in dire need of new partners in the region and outside amid looming American sanctions threat. On the other hand, for Pakistan, countering India's growing footprints in the region — Chahbahar port agreement and diplomatic inﬂ uence in Afghanistan, could be an important reason to improve relations with Iran. Furthermore, the 'China factor’ may play a vital role in enhancing Pakistan's ties with Iran as the three countries could consider developing an economic nexus in the coming months. For the last few decades, Saudi Arabia and the US pressured Pakistan to limit its relations with Iran. Even now, despite Zarif's recent visit to Pakistan, Islamabad would prioritise its traditional ally Saudi Arabia over Tehran. No wonder, Khan went to Saudi Arabia after taking over the PM's ofﬁ ce in Islamabad. Despite balancing diplomatic ties, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 9 • September 2018, Noida • 29

Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018 | Page 29