US to give Imran space to improve ties with India
The Trump administration wants to give new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan space to explore opportunities to improve relations with India, an official said. Many new governments come to power in Islamabad and want to improve the relationship with India, but then soon face realities and all the difficulties, Randall G Schriver, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs said.
Schriver on triangular relationship between India, US, Pakistan
Schriver, who was speaking at an event organized by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, was responding to a question from moderator Ashley Tellis from Carnegie on the triangular relationship between India, US, and Pakistan. He, however, explained that this is in the context of India-Pakistan relationship and this doesn't indicate any change in the policy of Trump administration with regard to Pakistan.
US clarifies that it won't change policies towards Pakistan
The Pentagon official insisted that this means no change in its policy towards Islamabad and its current approach of cutting financial assistance would continue. "But our approach of cutting assistance and pressuring Pakistan on their relationship with the Taliban, persuading them to come to the table, dealing with terrorist networks, that will be sustained," Randall G Schriver said.
Pentagon cautioned Pakistan on seeking massive financial assistance from China
The Pentagon also cautioned Pakistan on seeking massive financial assistance from China, which risks its sovereignty. "If you look at other examples where countries went all in, or largely in with China, the results have not been particularly good. There has been an erosion of sovereignty and an erosion of control. There are many examples of that," Schriver said.
