Pak ties with China, Russia not ‘zero sum game’ for US: Aizaz

WASHINGTON: Recent efforts by Pakistan to forge closer diplomatic ties with China and Russia does not represent the opening salvos of “a zero sum game” with Washington, according to the country’s new ambassador to the United States, reports Washington Post. 

Islamabad’s ties to Washington remains “one of critical importance” to the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry told reporters Friday. Ongoing outreach between the Chinese and Russian governments and a key American ally in Southwest Asia is not only in Pakistan’s interest, but also in the interest of the U.S., Mr. Chaudhry said.

But those relationships, particularly those with China, could be seen as an affront by the Trump White House to Washington’s long-standing security and economic partnership with Pakistan.