Pakistan can act as bridge between China and US: Bilawal

MUNICH: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan can serve as a bridge between China and the United States rather than taking sides in global power poles. 

In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW) at the Munich Security Conference, Bilawal discussed Pakistan’s relations with China and the US, expectations from President Donald Trump, ties with India, and regional security challenges. 

“This competition between China and the US is having visible global effects. Historically, Pakistan has played the role of a bridge rather than a dividing force,” he said. 

He reiterated that Pakistan wants to be seen as a facilitator rather than being confined to a single camp.

“We have previously helped establish diplomatic links between the US and China, and we aim to continue playing a similar role in the future.” 

Bilawal described Trump as a “deal maker” and suggested that there are areas where Pakistan can engage with the US.

He pointed out that Washington’s efforts to position India as a counterweight to China impact the regional power balance. 

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Referring to the arms race between India and Pakistan, he said both nations could focus on poverty and unemployment instead.

“However, if the US is determined to establish India as the region’s primary security provider, Pakistan will do whatever is necessary to maintain its position.” 

Addressing US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks on negotiations with Russia over Ukraine, Bilawal said it was not surprising, as “the US prioritises its own interests.”

He also criticised the lack of consultation with Pakistan, the Afghan government, and the EU before the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

He linked Pakistan’s current security challenges to the aftermath of the US withdrawal, rather than Iran.

“The resurgence of militant groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Daesh, is a direct consequence of the Kabul takeover.” 

Bilawal noted that before the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan had been more successful in eliminating such groups within its borders than NATO forces in Afghanistan.

He emphasised that addressing this issue requires “a unified political consensus within Pakistan, followed by serious regional and international engagement.”