Experts believe Biden Presidency to benefit Pakistan

The arrival of Joe Biden as the next President of the United States could prove beneficial for Pakistan, as experts believe that the upcoming Democrat would have a softer stance towards China and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"I could envision a Biden administration supporting efforts led by the U.S. private sector to offer assistance on clean energy projects associated with CPEC," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the Wilson Center, who expects Biden to take a more conciliatory position toward China told Nikkei Asia.

Others believe that the upcoming US President will end the intense trade and diplomatic row that was initiated by Donald Trump. "The U.S. will also let China play its regional leadership role without interfering in CPEC-like projects because they align with the American objectives to see a stable and economically developed Pakistan," said Malik Siraj Akbar, a South Asia-based analyst in Washington.

Akbar added that with the arrival of Biden the US and China are likely to cooperate to end the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which would prove beneficial for Pakistan.

On the other hand, some experts remain skeptical saying that Biden's arrival at the White House will not bring in a major shift in US policy toward China.

"I don't think the U.S. policy toward CPEC or Pakistan-China relations would undergo a major change if Biden wins the U.S. election," said Mohan Malik, a visiting fellow at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in Washington.