Sir: The US has lost its reputation both as an ally and as a champion of multilateralism. For instance, Trump’s mercurial nature and his indecisiveness on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), his unilateral withdrawals from the Paris climate deal and the Iran nuclear agreement tarnished the US’s status as a vanguard of multilateralism. Besides, its acceptance of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, its “Do More” mantra with Pakistan and its threats of trade war and stand-off with European allies destroyed the US’ credibility as an ally. On the contrary, China is successfully exporting its image of New global leader. For instance, China’s multibillion dollar investment in Asia and Africa, its exceptional maneuvering in the Indian ocean through soft power, its stance on open-trade and its initiatives in the form of BRICS and SCO make it a much more attractive and credible ally. Therefore, it is imperative for the new government of Pakistan to further bolster its strategic and economic ties with China and adopt a cautious policy with the indecisive US. AGHA SHAHRIYAR KHAN Karachi Published in Daily Times, August 11th 2018.