The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised a guest lecture titled “Evolving Global Order: China-US Reset” on 7 January 2026. As an independent think tank, CASS Lahore organises academic events for scholars and practitioners interested in national security in its wider context. The event was attended by academics, intellectuals, and domain experts.
Dr Ahsan Abbas, Director, CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address, noting that the evolving global order requires a renewed approach to balance competition and cooperation between major powers to ensure international stability.
Mr Shahid Javed Burki, an eminent economist and former finance minister, stated that the global order is undergoing a fundamental transformation as China’s rapid economic growth positions it to challenge the US, reflecting a significant realignment of global power. He highlighted China’s successful state-led development model and robust investment in technology in contrast to the market-driven approach and coercive power utilised by the United States to protect its strategic dominance. Furthermore, he noted that Pakistan occupies a critical role in China’s strategic calculus and underscored the importance of maintaining a stable and confident partnership while resisting external pressures and media propaganda that could undermine long-term economic cooperation.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS, Lahore, highlighted that the China-US relationship is the decisive factor reshaping the strategic, economic, and institutional contours of the twenty-first century. He observed that while strategic rivalry is structural and enduring, cooperation in areas of shared interest remains a practical necessity for global stability. He further noted that technology competition has emerged as a central fault line, requiring a balance between legitimate security concerns and the benefits of economic efficiency to avoid fragmenting the global economy.
The event concluded with a lively interactive session. The discussion explored Pakistan’s balancing policy between China and the United States, the prospects of CPEC 2.0, and the strategic positioning of regional actors amidst great power competition. The participants appreciated CASS Lahore’s initiative in hosting an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.