By Waleed Sami: The recent article published by Drop Site News alleging that Pakistan sought nuclear weapons assistance from China in exchange for the Gwadar Port is a glaring example of disinformation. Such baseless claims are not only inflammatory but are also part of a broader campaign to undermine Pakistan’s international credibility and its relationship with China. This rebuttal aims to dismantle the fabricated narrative presented by Drop Site News using verified facts and Pakistan’s longstanding policy commitments.

Disinformation campaigns targeting Pakistan’s strategic relationships are not new. Such narratives often originate from sources with vested interests in destabilizing regional cooperation and tarnishing Pakistan’s image on the global stage. By fabricating stories about nuclear proliferation, these actors aim to sow mistrust between Pakistan and its allies, particularly China.

Disinformation: Unpacking the False Claims

The article’s central assertion—that Pakistan demanded a nuclear second-strike capability from China—is not only implausible but also devoid of evidence. This claim appears to be constructed on speculative hearsay, lacking any credible source or substantiation. Let us examine why this narrative fails to hold ground:

Pakistan’s Nuclear Doctrine and Self-Reliance

Pakistan’s nuclear program is indigenous, advanced, and tailored to meet its strategic needs. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan maintains credible deterrence and possesses a robust command and control system. The assertion that Pakistan requires external assistance for second-strike capability undermines its well-documented progress in nuclear technology. Over the years, Pakistan has developed a sea-based deterrent, including the Babur-III submarine-launched cruise missile, which enhances its second-strike capability. Such advancements are a testament to Pakistan’s self-reliance in defense technology.

Commitment to Non-Proliferation

Pakistan has consistently adhered to a policy of non-proliferation and responsible nuclear stewardship. It has implemented robust measures to safeguard its nuclear assets and prevent proliferation. Seeking or facilitating nuclear technology transfers that violate international norms is contrary to Pakistan’s longstanding policy. The suggestion that China would violate its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to assist Pakistan is equally baseless. As a signatory to the NPT, China has consistently upheld its commitments and would not engage in activities that jeopardize its international standing.

Strategic Importance of Gwadar

The insinuation that Pakistan would barter the Gwadar Port, a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), for nuclear assistance is absurd. Gwadar is pivotal to Pakistan’s economic and strategic interests, and its development under CPEC is a testament to the strong bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China. Pakistan and China have a decades-long history of collaboration characterized by mutual respect and shared strategic interests. Speculative claims about tensions or transactional diplomacy undermine the reality of this enduring partnership.

The Truth About Pakistan-China Relations

Bilateral Cooperation Based on Trust

The Pakistan-China relationship is anchored in mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for regional stability and economic prosperity. Both nations have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across various domains, including defense, infrastructure, and trade.

CPEC: A Flagship Project

Gwadar’s development under CPEC is a flagship initiative of Pakistan-China cooperation. Allegations about militarization or use as a bargaining chip are baseless and contradict the publicly available facts about its development objectives.

Transparent Negotiations

Pakistan and China conduct their bilateral negotiations transparently and within the framework of international norms. The so-called “classified documents” cited by Drop Site News are dubious and fail to provide verifiable evidence.

Analyzing the Motivation Behind the Claims

The fabrication of such claims raises critical questions about the intent behind this disinformation campaign. Pakistan has faced a history of targeted narratives designed to:

• Undermine its alliances: By creating mistrust between Pakistan and China, hostile actors aim to weaken one of South Asia’s most stable partnerships.
• Disrupt regional stability: Allegations such as these exacerbate tensions in an already volatile geopolitical environment, impeding progress on collaborative initiatives like CPEC.
• Tarnish Pakistan’s international reputation: Associating Pakistan with nuclear proliferation undermines its status as a responsible atomic power and disrupts its diplomatic engagements globally.

Gwadar: A Strategic Asset, Not a Bargaining Tool

The Gwadar Port represents far more than its geographic location—it is central to Pakistan’s aspirations for economic transformation and regional connectivity. Misrepresenting its role in strategic negotiations disrespects Pakistan’s sovereignty and downplays the port’s economic importance. Under CPEC, Gwadar is set to:

• Serve as a trade and logistics hub, connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
• Provide energy and industrial development opportunities, contributing to Pakistan’s long-term growth.
• Strengthen regional integration, fostering economic interdependence and reducing conflict potential.

These ambitions reflect Pakistan’s vision for Gwadar, which is far removed from the baseless accusations presented by Drop Site News.

Conclusion

The Drop Site News article deliberately attempts to distort facts and fuel mistrust. Pakistan’s nuclear program is a cornerstone of its national defense, developed indigenously and managed responsibly. The country’s relationship with China is rooted in shared goals and strategic alignment, not transactional demands or compromises.

Pakistan’s enduring partnership with China continues to thrive despite efforts to undermine it. By debunking disinformation and promoting transparency, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to regional stability, economic progress, and global cooperation. The truth, as always, remains more potent than fabricated lies.

 

Waleed Sami is a postgraduate student of strategic studies from the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), a school at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. Waleed completed his bachelor’s in international relations at the National Defence University Islamabad (NDU).