In early March Pakistan tested a nuclear-capable surface-to-surface missile, the Hataf-2 rocket, which it has co-developed with China. The test demonstrates Pakistan's growing reliance on China for its military hardware. The scale of arms purchases by Pakistan is surprising, given the country's precarious fiscal position. It has ordered 250 JF-17 jet fighters (which are also co-produced with China) for delivery over the next decade, along with other plane models, six submarines and eight frigates. Pakistan's ability to pay for these is in doubt, and the value of the contracts is unknown. It would appear that China frequently writes off the money owed, instead valuing Pakistan's strategic role as a regional counterweight to India.

Pakistan's attempts to balance its relationship with Western countries and its relationship with China were noted by the UK defence secretary, Liam Fox, at a meeting in March. He criticised Pakistan of being an ally of the West only when it is convenient. However, many in Pakistan would accuse the West of adopting the same policy towards that country. At the same meeting, the new US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman, said that he hoped ties between the US and Pakistan could move ahead following the resolution of the dispute over Mr Davis.