China's leadership is actively watching Pakistan's internal instability and policy inconsistencies. Chinese University professors and geopolitical analysts are increasingly raising questions about Pakistan's strategic vision, institutional effectiveness, and commitment to long-term reforms. Although China may continue to provide financing, it is likely to do so on tougher terms, including higher-interest loans, while reducing its direct exposure to major projects. If these concerns persist, Beijing may accelerate efforts to develop alternative routes and partnerships outside the CPEC framework. Pakistani Establishment is slowing drifting away from China to Uncle Sam and that's something chinse are worried about. China has provided support when Pakistan need the most, while Uncle has only given Soya beans.
GIFT FROM USA TO PAKISTAN
Under the Pressler Amendment, the U.S. halted delivery of F-16s that Pakistan had already paid for because of concerns over Pakistan's nuclear program.
Restrictions on F-16 Upgrades and Weapons
In 2015, the U.S. approved the sale of AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Pakistan but later blocked it.
Military Aid and Defense Equipment Suspensions
Block Turkish T129 ATAK attack helicopter deal to Pakistan
The following are purely my personal opinions.
I don't entirely agree with your point of view.
In my view, China has not completely abandoned or pushed away Pakistan.
1. China’s own national policy is shifting toward an inward contraction. This is not directed at any specific foreign country, but rather reflects China’s overall national policy.
2. At the national levels of politics, the military, and the economy, it is sometimes necessary to view them in conjunction, while at other times they must be viewed separately.
China-Pakistan relations: at the political level, things remain unchanged; at the military level, there has been a slight upgrade, with the trend of escalation set to continue; at the economic level, however, the relationship is cooling rapidly.
Such a blunt description would not appear in a formal, official context.
Another issue that is easily overlooked is that people-to-people relations (as opposed to official ties) between China and Pakistan are cooling rapidly! This is an alarming signal! ------ IMO, the Pakistani Embassy in China bears the primary responsibility for this.
@Michael do you know anything about Fujian University think tank recommendations/debate recently about CPEC or Pakistan?
In the discourse of the Chinese public, terms such as "think tank," "expert," and "scholar" are—the vast majority of the time—pejorative rather than complimentary. (We occasionally take it seriously, but very rarely.)
Generally, when we occasionally encounter their remarks or programs, we view them as entertainment or gossip rather than as serious topics. To put it in terms you can easily grasp: we treat them like talk show performers.