Strategic Snub? China's Muted SCO Response Reveals Pakistan's Waning Influence, Fractured Alliances
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Analysts say the shift reflects Beijing's frustration with Pakistan's perceived 'double game' on regional security and inability to deliver on initiatives like CPEC
Pakistan has been facing increasing diplomatic isolation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, with even traditional allies like China and Russia refraining from offering support amid growing concerns over Islamabad's role in regional instability.
The change in demeanour was evident when National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval explicitly named Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as major threats to regional security. The statement went unchallenged by any SCO member—including China—which has historically blocked attempts to single out Pakistan at multilateral forums.
The silence was widely viewed as a strategic message from Beijing, indicating that its support for Islamabad is now conditional and dependent on broader regional considerations. According to top government sources, China's decision to remain neutral was influenced by its desire to avoid further strain with India amid efforts to stabilise bilateral ties and maintain growing trade relations.
While China continues to offer military assistance to Pakistan, it has increasingly opted for diplomatic proximity to India at strategic forums. Analysts say this shift reflects Beijing's frustration with Pakistan's perceived 'double game" on regional security and its inability to deliver on key initiatives like the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
'The SCO moment reflects a regional recalibration," sources said. 'India is gaining diplomatic ground, China is recalibrating its strategy, and Pakistan is being edged out due to its inconsistent foreign policy and damaged credibility."
Diplomats point out that Pakistan's international standing has been weakened by a combination of factors—including erosion of democratic institutions, overreliance on military-driven foreign policy, failure to counter terrorism narratives, and its inability to maintain balanced relations with the US, China, and the Islamic world.
Tehran, in particular, has expressed unease with Pakistan's engagement with the US. Iran reportedly views Islamabad's cooperation with Washington—particularly amid tensions in the Middle East—as a betrayal of broader Islamic interests, further undermining Pakistan's efforts to build coalitions based on religious unity within the SCO.
Meanwhile, Russia also chose to remain neutral at the summit, signalling a growing reluctance to back Pakistan in regional disputes. Observers say both Moscow and Beijing are prioritising their evolving ties with India over traditional loyalties to Islamabad.
The outcome of the SCO summit is being interpreted in diplomatic circles as a clear warning to Pakistan: unless it aligns more consistently with regional priorities—including counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and de-escalation with India—it risks becoming increasingly irrelevant in multilateral decision-making.
With major powers now engaging Pakistan largely through military channels and bypassing its civilian institutions, the country's multilateral influence appears to be diminishing. Islamabad's long-standing strategy of balancing between global powers is now under significant stress, with few allies stepping forward to shield it diplomatically.
First Published:
June 25, 2025, 10:08 IST
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