Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to embark on a three-nation week-long tour beginning July 20, in what insiders call a desperate bid to revive Islamabad’s dwindling influence in the Global South. According to CNN-News18 citing Pakistani Army sources, Munir will travel to Sri Lanka from July 20 to 22, make a stopover in China, and then proceed to Indonesia from July 24 to 26.
At first glance, this may appear like routine military diplomacy, but the real motive is far more calculated. Both Pakistan and China are increasingly rattled by India’s rising stature in the Global South, and Munir’s travel itinerary reflects an anxious attempt to push back against New Delhi’s growing clout.
China: the quiet operator behind the scenes
The stopover in China between the Sri Lanka and Indonesia legs of the trip is not coincidental. It is a clear indication of Beijing’s hand in choreographing this military outreach, using Pakistan as a proxy to probe and pry into regions where India has steadily been expanding its diplomatic, economic, and strategic presence.
China, frustrated by India’s leadership role in forums like the G20, BRICS, and IMEC, is quietly nudging Islamabad to ramp up its visibility. It’s no secret that China and Pakistan often function in tandem when it comes to countering Indian influence, and Munir’s travel plans reflect this alignment.
Military diplomacy or cover for strategic insecurity?
While Islamabad might frame this as a goodwill tour or defence cooperation effort, the reality is that Pakistan’s credibility in the Global South is at its lowest in decades. With a crumbling economy, political chaos at home, and its global image tainted by its ties to terrorism, the Pakistani military is now clutching at straws to remain relevant.
By choosing Sri Lanka and Indonesia, Pakistan is clearly trying to insert itself into India’s extended sphere of influence. Both countries have enjoyed stable and growing ties with New Delhi, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and India’s swift vaccine diplomacy and financial support to Sri Lanka.
India’s ascent leaves Pakistan and China scrambling
As India continues to be courted by major powers, including the United States, France, and even parts of Africa and Latin America, Pakistan and China find themselves increasingly isolated. With India forging defence and economic partnerships with nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the Global South is no longer receptive to Pakistan’s hollow rhetoric or China’s debt diplomacy.
Pakistan’s military elite seems to believe that high-profile visits and photo-ops can replace sustained development partnerships and long-term credibility. But countries in the Global South are no longer swayed by posturing. They are increasingly tilting toward nations that can offer stability, growth, and genuine collaboration, and Pakistan offers none.
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