Opinion: Pakistan's Recurring Role in US-China Thaws from Yahya Khan to Munir
This opinion piece analyzes the historical pattern where Pakistan regains strategic relevance with the United States whenever Washington seeks to improve relations with Beijing. The article draws parallels between the current geopolitical landscape in 2026, marked by President Donald Trump's state visit to China and renewed ties with Islamabad, and the 1970s era when General Yahya Khan facilitated secret US-China diplomacy. It highlights how Pakistan leverages its position amid global upheavals, such as the Gulf conflict and the war in Ukraine, to secure economic and military benefits, including a recent $1 billion IMF relief package. The author argues that Islamabad exploits Western fears of nuclear instability and Islamist radicalism to maintain its importance. Despite controversies regarding its internal politics and mediation capabilities, Pakistan remains a critical player in US strategic calculations vis-à-vis China, mirroring the dynamics of the Cold War era where military aid was exchanged for diplomatic access.
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