As Donald Trump prepares to return to the world stage, many countries are wondering how best to work with a U.S. leader known for his tough negotiating style and unpredictable decisions. Pakistan may have found a smart way to handle this challenge — through strategic diplomacy, warm personal gestures, and a focus on something Trump understands well: business opportunities.
A Smart Focus on Rare Earths
Rare earth minerals are a vital part of modern technology, used in electric cars, smartphones, wind turbines, and advanced weapons systems. The global race to control these resources is intense. China currently dominates this sector, but other countries, including Pakistan, hold significant untapped reserves.
In recent months, Pakistani officials have quietly highlighted their rare earth potential to U.S. diplomats and business leaders. They have framed it not just as a trade offer but as a strategic partnership that could help the U.S. reduce its dependence on China. This message aligns closely with Trump’s long-held goal of reshoring critical industries and limiting China’s economic power.
Flattery as a Diplomatic Tool
Trump is well known for responding positively to praise and personal attention. Pakistani leaders seem to have taken note. Instead of using hard or emotional rhetoric, they have focused on warm words, public respect, and strong praise for Trump’s leadership style.
This approach is not accidental. By using flattery carefully, Pakistan is positioning itself as a friend, not a critic. Diplomats and business envoys have highlighted Trump’s “deal-making skills” and “business vision,” painting cooperation as a win-win opportunity. This has helped open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Deft Diplomacy Behind the Scenes
While public statements have been warm, Pakistan’s diplomatic team has also been strategic behind the scenes. Rather than making loud demands or emotional appeals, they have presented clear economic proposals. These include U.S. involvement in mining projects, investment in processing facilities, and potential joint ventures.
This practical, business-first tone fits well with Trump’s worldview. Instead of talking about ideology, Pakistan is talking about deals, jobs, and economic growth — exactly the kind of language Trump favors.
A Lesson for Other Countries
Many nations are uncertain about how to approach Trump 2.0, especially given his tough stance on trade, immigration, and foreign aid. Pakistan’s example offers a useful lesson: focus on common interests, avoid confrontation, and speak in terms of opportunity.
By highlighting rare earths — a resource Trump would see as vital for America’s economic and security future — Pakistan is giving Washington something tangible to work with. By mixing diplomacy with personal flattery, it is lowering tensions and encouraging constructive talks.
Challenges Still Ahead
Of course, the road ahead is not simple. Trump’s foreign policy can shift quickly, and his “America First” approach often means tough bargaining. Pakistan will need to protect its own national interests while engaging with Washington carefully. But so far, it has shown that it understands how to speak Trump’s language.
Conclusion
In a world where many countries fear the return of Trump’s hard-nosed diplomacy, Pakistan is demonstrating a clear strategy: focus on shared economic goals, offer something valuable like rare earths, and use respectful, warm language.
It may not guarantee easy deals, but it gives Pakistan an early advantage — and a model that others may soon follow.