As the US and China compete for global dominance through economic growth, military expansion, and technological advancements, Pakistan’s former foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has outlined his vision for Islamabad’s role as a potential mediator between the two superpowers.
Pakistan’s Historic Role as a Bridge-Builder
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, the PPP leader emphasized that Pakistan has historically acted as a bridge-builder rather than fueling global divisions. He advocated for facilitating dialogue between Washington and Beijing to ease tensions.
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Bilawal highlighted Pakistan’s past diplomatic contributions, notably its role in arranging Henry Kissinger’s secret trip to Beijing, which led to US-China normalization.
Concerns Over US-India Alliance
Bilawal also addressed the shifting global power balance, particularly the US strengthening ties with India to counter China. He warned that this growing US-India alliance could disrupt regional stability, escalating the arms race between India and Pakistan.
Potential Engagement with a Trump Administration
On the possibility of engaging with the US under Donald Trump, Bilawal acknowledged Trump’s “dealmaker” approach, suggesting it could open avenues for peace negotiations, particularly in Pakistan-India relations.
Security Challenges and Domestic Consensus
Bilawal also reflected on Pakistan’s evolving security challenges, citing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan as an example of Washington’s shifting priorities. He noted that the rise of TTP and other militant groups poses new security threats for Pakistan.
To tackle these challenges, he emphasized the need for a domestic consensus and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to reassert its regional and global position.
