US proposes budget allocation of $100 million to stop Pakistan’s over reliance on Beijing
- In Military & Strategic Affairs
- 10:54 PM, Jul 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
In an effort to prevent Pakistan from deepening its ties with China, the US has proposed allocating $100 million to Islamabad in its budget. Donald Lu, US Assistant Secretary of State, informed a congressional panel that this significant funding aims to support Pakistan in strengthening democracy, combating terrorism, and stabilising its economy.
Pakistan has faced considerable challenges in recent years, including economic instability and a persistent rise in terrorism. The allocation of funds reflects US strategic interests in maintaining stability in Pakistan while countering China's influence in the region. This move underscores ongoing geopolitical dynamics and US efforts to maintain influence in South Asia amidst shifting alliances and challenges.
"The President's Budget proposes maintaining our $101 million budget allocation for Pakistan. These funds will be used to enhance democracy and civil society, combat terrorism and violent extremism, and support economic reforms and debt management to stabilise Pakistan's economy," Lu informed a congressional panel.
Lu also emphasised the US's intention to prevent Islamabad from becoming overly dependent on Beijing. "China represents the past in terms of investment; we represent the future," he asserted. According to US agency data from 2023, Pakistan ranks as the third-largest recipient of Chinese development finance globally, with a portfolio amounting to $70.3 billion.
"This situation marks a noteworthy development where one country is incentivised to distance itself from another," commented a senior government source. "Pakistan finds itself increasingly ensnared in the Chinese debt trap. There are concerns that China could establish a significant presence in Pakistan through its investments, including setting up outposts and police posts," the source added.
The president's budget request allocates $1.01 billion in foreign assistance specifically for the South and Central Asia region. This funding is aimed at bolstering US influence in these areas as a strategic counter to China's growing presence. It also targets countering disinformation campaigns originating from Russia and China, which are seen as potential sources of regional instability.
A substantial portion of this budget is designated to prevent terrorist groups from posing threats to US national security interests. This comprehensive approach underscores the US's strategic priorities in the region, focusing on both geopolitical competition and security challenges posed by terrorism and disinformation.
A recent report indicated that Islamabad holds strategic importance for Beijing as a conduit for transporting illicit substances and dual-use technologies, potentially advancing China's military capabilities, including proliferation concerns.
Former Afghan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh expressed astonishment upon hearing the US proposal. He remarked sarcastically, "The United States promises thirty cents per year to each Pakistani citizen to promote democracy, combat terrorism, distance themselves from China, align with the US and the Western world, and overthrow their elected government whenever Donald Lu asks."
Image source: The Economic Times
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