Islamabad Interests in China Pakistan Economic Corridor: An Analysis
Abstract
This paper provides a political analysis of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pivotal project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, dissecting the strategic and geopolitical interests for Pakistan. The article has skillfully scrutinized the complex interplay of power dynamics in the economic and strategic regional context, regional security architecture, and the pursuit of economic leverage by both China and Pakistan. For Beijing, CPEC serves as a strategic imperative, designed to enhance its regional influence, secure vital energy supply lines, and cultivate a sphere of economic dominance. Islamabad, conversely, perceives CPEC as a critical instrument for strengthening its economic sovereignty, modernizing its infrastructure, and mitigating its energy vulnerabilities. The analysis further investigates the political ramifications of CPEC, including its impact on regional power alignments, the securitization of infrastructure projects, and the potential erosion of Pakistan's political autonomy. It examines the contentious issues surrounding debt diplomacy, the strategic implications for regional stability, and the potential for CPEC to exacerbate existing political tensions. By employing a political lens, this paper seeks to provide a critical evaluation of CPEC's long-term geopolitical consequences, examining its role as a tool of statecraft and its impact on the regional balance of power.
Keywords: CPEC, Economic Interests, Political Interests, Strategic Interests, China,    Pakistan.
