A new report by the Politeia Research Foundation warns that Pakistan’s growing strategic alignment with China on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and regional security could undermine US Indo-Pacific interests. The report urges Washington to reassess its engagement with Islamabad while strengthening its long-term strategic partnership with India.
A leading strategic analysis report has raised concerns over the United States’ growing engagement with Pakistan, warning that Washington risks undermining its own interests in the Indo-Pacific region if it overlooks Islamabad’s increasingly close alignment with China on key geopolitical issues.
According to a report released by the Politeia Research Foundation, Pakistan has openly backed China’s position on Taiwan and the South China Sea while simultaneously strengthening cooperation with Beijing on broader strategic initiatives. The report argues that such developments should prompt American policymakers to reassess the nature and extent of their engagement with Pakistan.
The concern comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed positive views about Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. However, analysts believe that while Washington seeks tactical engagement with Islamabad, Pakistan is steadily deepening its strategic partnership with China in ways that may conflict with American regional objectives.
The report highlights a recent joint statement issued by China and Pakistan following high-level talks in Beijing. In that statement, Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for the “One China” principle and endorsed Beijing’s position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. More significantly, Pakistan expressed support for China’s efforts toward reunification with Taiwan through what was described as “every possible means.”
Observers view the statement as particularly significant because Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force.
The report also noted that Pakistan publicly backed China’s position on the South China Sea, a region that has witnessed increasing tensions due to Beijing’s expansive territorial claims. Several countries in Southeast Asia have challenged these claims, while the United States has repeatedly supported freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in the disputed waters.
According to the foundation, Pakistan’s endorsement of China’s stance effectively lends legitimacy to Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea. Analysts argue that such support could weaken international efforts to maintain a rules-based order in the region and could embolden China’s strategic ambitions.
The report stressed that America’s Indo-Pacific strategy is fundamentally built on maintaining regional stability, ensuring freedom of navigation, preserving the balance of power, and preventing coercive changes to Taiwan’s status. Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s growing support for China’s regional agenda appears increasingly at odds with Washington’s long-term objectives.
Furthermore, the report pointed to the expanding China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader strategic cooperation between the two countries as evidence of deepening alignment. It warned that the convergence extends beyond economic collaboration and increasingly encompasses geopolitical and security issues.
The foundation argued that the situation raises important questions about the future of US relations with both Pakistan and India. It noted that India has emerged as one of Washington’s most important strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly amid growing concerns about China’s influence and military expansion.
The report referenced recent remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to India. Throughout meetings with Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio repeatedly described the India-US relationship as a “strategic alliance,” emphasizing shared interests in maintaining stability and security across the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts interpret these comments as a strong indication that Washington views India as a long-term strategic partner capable of contributing significantly to regional balance and security. The report suggests that any policy approach that appears to strengthen Pakistan while ignoring its close alignment with China could complicate America’s broader strategic objectives.
In its concluding assessment, the Politeia Research Foundation urged US policymakers to carefully evaluate the consequences of their engagement with Islamabad. The report warned that Washington must avoid undermining its own Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly on issues related to Taiwan and regional security, while also ensuring that its growing relationship with India remains strong and credible.
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As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, the report argues that the United States faces the challenge of balancing short-term tactical engagements with long-term strategic interests. Whether Washington adjusts its approach toward Pakistan in response to these concerns remains to be seen, but the debate is likely to continue as regional alignments evolve and great-power competition deepens.
