China has decided that henceforth, relations with Pakistan will be downgraded from “the highest priority” to “a priority”. This marks a significant shift in Chinese foreign policy.
Pakistan’s negative policies towards its neighbors, internal political crisis, attacks on Chinese citizens, the relocation of the Khorasan branch of ISIS to Balochistan, and the expansion of ISIS influence are potential factors that could compel China to reassess its relations with Pakistan and opt for a downgrade.
Moreover, the marginalization and retirement of certain military and intelligence generals in Pakistan who advocated for closer ties with China over the West and supported a presidential system over a parliamentary system with the assistance of Tehreek-e-Insaf, could be another factor.
China took this step in order to help manage the political crisis in Pakistan, strengthen its central system, ensure stability, and address economic challenges. However, the West thwarted this plan at the eleventh hour by removing Imran Khan from power in a coup and dismissing those generals from the Pakistani army and intelligence who supported this initiative.
