Pakistan wishes to revamp its bilateral relations with the United States, but not at the cost of offending China, which the Islamic State says has done a lot to save the cash-strapped country. The remarks were made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting with a group of journalists who had recently returned from an official visit to China at his Model Town residence here, according to the Dawn newspaper.
"I think our relations with the US must be repaired, as it is very necessary for Pakistan…But it shouldn’t be at the cost of China… and I had told (the Americans) recently in the presence of various dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. I also told them that similarly, the friendship with China is not at the cost of the US, as both have significance for us," Sharif stated.
Sharif stressed that Pakistan values its relationships with both China and the US, but stressed that Beijing's support is unparalleled.
The prime minister's comments come amidst strained relations with the US, which have been tense since former prime minister Imran Khan accused Washington of orchestrating his removal.
Sharif highlighted the significant contributions China has made to Pakistan's development, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He noted the progress made in the second phase of CPEC and the positive outcomes from recent Chinese expert visits to Pakistan.
In a related development, Sharif revealed that he has requested China to re-profile Pakistan's debt, seeking a five to seven-year extension to repay loans. This, he believes, would enable the government to reduce inflation and electricity prices. The request is currently under consideration, with Sharif hoping for a positive response.
The safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan remain a concern, with Sharif assuring that the government will use all resources to ensure their well-being. This follows recent attacks on Chinese personnel working on the Dasu hydropower project.
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