What Do China, US, and Iran Want from Pakistan? A Geopolitical Analysis
Pakistan sits at one of the most strategic crossroads in the world—bridging South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Its geographical position, nuclear capability, and role in regional conflicts make it a country that global powers cannot ignore. Among these powers, China, the United States, and Iran hold especially strong stakes in Pakistan’s future. Each seeks something different, shaped by history, economics, and security concerns.
In this article, we will explore in detail what China, the US, and Iran want from Pakistan, and why Islamabad finds itself at the center of their geopolitical calculations.
China’s Strategic Interests in Pakistan
China and Pakistan often refer to their relationship as “all-weather friendship,” and Beijing sees Islamabad as a vital ally in South Asia. China’s ambitions in Pakistan are deeply connected to its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economic goals, and regional security interests.
1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
The flagship project of BRI, CPEC, is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and trade network that links China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. This corridor provides China with:
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Direct access to warm waters, bypassing the Strait of Malacca, where U.S. naval dominance poses a threat.
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A shorter route for trade and energy imports from the Middle East.
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Long-term influence over Pakistan’s economic and political landscape.
2. Countering India and the United States
China also sees Pakistan as a strategic counterbalance to India, with whom it has border disputes and growing rivalry. A strong partnership with Pakistan helps Beijing put pressure on New Delhi, both economically and militarily. Additionally, Pakistan helps China limit U.S. influence in South Asia.
3. Security Cooperation
China expects Pakistan to curb militancy that could affect Chinese nationals and projects in the region. Beijing is especially concerned about extremist groups influencing its Xinjiang province, where Uyghur unrest has been a long-term issue. A stable Pakistan means greater security for China’s western provinces and investments.
In short, China wants Pakistan to be a stable, reliable partner that secures its trade routes, counters India, and ensures the safety of Chinese investments.
United States’ Interests in Pakistan
The U.S. has had a complex relationship with Pakistan, alternating between close cooperation and sharp mistrust. While Washington’s influence has declined in recent years, the U.S. still views Pakistan as a key security partner.
1. Counterterrorism Cooperation
Since 9/11, Pakistan has been central to America’s War on Terror. The U.S. wants Islamabad to prevent terrorist organizations—such as al-Qaeda, ISIS-K, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—from using its territory as a base for attacks. Washington continues to pressure Pakistan to crack down on militancy and share intelligence.
2. Afghanistan Stability
Even after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Washington wants Pakistan to use its influence over the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for global terrorism. Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace talks and its connections with Taliban leaders make it an unavoidable player for the U.S.
3. Nuclear Security
Pakistan is the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons. The U.S. wants to ensure that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal remains safe, secure, and out of reach of extremist groups. Nuclear security remains one of Washington’s highest priorities in the region.
4. Balancing China’s Influence
While Pakistan is a close ally of China, the U.S. does not want it to drift entirely into Beijing’s orbit. Maintaining limited ties through military aid, trade, and diplomacy allows Washington to retain some leverage in the region.
In essence, the U.S. wants Pakistan to serve as a counterterrorism partner, a nuclear-safe state, and a potential buffer against China’s growing dominance.
Iran’s Interests in Pakistan
Unlike China and the U.S., Iran’s relationship with Pakistan is shaped more by geography, sectarian dynamics, and regional rivalries. The two countries share a long border, but also deep suspicions.
1. Border Security
Iran’s biggest concern is cross-border militancy. Groups like Jaish al-Adl, operating from Pakistan’s Balochistan province, have repeatedly attacked Iranian security forces. Tehran expects Islamabad to take stronger action against these groups.
2. Energy and Trade Partnerships
Iran is rich in oil and natural gas, and it sees Pakistan as a natural customer. The Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, though delayed due to U.S. sanctions, reflects Tehran’s interest in exporting energy to its eastern neighbor. Iran also seeks greater bilateral trade, especially in electricity supply to Pakistan’s border provinces.
3. Neutrality in the Saudi-Iran Rivalry
Iran closely watches Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia, its regional rival. While Islamabad has traditionally been close to Riyadh, Tehran wants Pakistan to remain neutral in conflicts such as the Yemen war or sectarian disputes across the Middle East. A balanced Pakistan reduces Iran’s isolation and strengthens its regional standing.
4. Afghanistan Stability
Both Iran and Pakistan are directly affected by Afghanistan’s instability. Tehran wants Pakistan to cooperate in ensuring that Afghan turmoil does not spill across borders, especially in the form of refugee flows or extremist networks.
In short, Iran wants Pakistan to secure its border, expand energy trade, and avoid siding completely with Saudi Arabia in the Middle East power struggle.
Pakistan’s Delicate Balancing Act
Given these competing interests, Pakistan faces the constant challenge of balancing its relationships.
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With China, it seeks economic growth and strategic support.
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With the U.S., it needs diplomatic space, military aid, and global recognition.
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With Iran, it aims to maintain peaceful borders and access to energy.
This balancing act is complicated by Pakistan’s internal economic struggles, political instability, and its own rivalry with India. Aligning too closely with one power risks alienating the others, leaving Islamabad walking a diplomatic tightrope.
Conclusion
So, what do China, the U.S., and Iran want from Pakistan?
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China wants a loyal ally, a trade corridor to the Arabian Sea, and a counterweight to India and the U.S.
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The U.S. wants Pakistan as a counterterrorism partner, a safe nuclear power, and a state not fully dependent on China.
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Iran wants border security, energy trade opportunities, and Pakistani neutrality in the Saudi-Iran rivalry.
Pakistan’s ability to navigate these demands will shape not only its foreign policy but also its role in global geopolitics. In many ways, Islamabad remains a pivot state, where the ambitions of larger powers intersect.
