Multifaceted Aspects of Economic Corridors in the Context of Regional Security: The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor as a Stabilising and Destabilising Factor

Abstract

This article investigates the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which involves a whole package of multiple cooperative initiatives aimed to accelerate connectivity via land routes and boost Sino-Pakistani collaboration. While channelling Chinese power and interests, this corridor, being a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, may significantly affect the security landscape in conflict-prone South Asia, and the economic, political and social dynamics within Pakistan. Being a fragile state with multiple domestic challenges and asymmetric position vis-à-vis China, Pakistan is a valuable source for regional power game and China’s aspiration analysis. The comprehensive evaluation of economic corridors’ multidimensional impact on volatile regions with poor socio-economic background, contested political power and high-security risk fills a much-needed gap in contemporary security studies. We contend that CPEC may bring stabilising and destabilising results; yet, if certain conditions are not met, over the long term, the latter are likely to outweigh the former due to the various aspects of internal, bilateral and regional character. To evaluate the corridor’s multifaceted implications, firstly, we conceptualise CPEC within the selected international relations paradigms, and secondly, we empirically refer to our assumptions.

Political Dimensions of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for Pakistan

“…The paper will begin by providing an overview of CPEC and its economic significance for Pakistan. It will then delve into the project's political dimensions, examining how it fits into China's broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its potential implications for Pakistan's strategic position (Kuszewska & Makowska, 2021).…”

Sino-Indian Ties and the Future of South Asia: Geopolitical Implications for Pakistan

“…Conversely, the Sino-Pak ties have also been criticized for their fair-weather friendship outlook (Ranjan, 2021;Tkacik, 2011). According to Kuszewska and Nitza-Makowska (2021), Pakistan serves as a cherished tool for expanding Beijing's influence in South Asia. Some scholars believe that the foundation for China to forge strong ties with Pakistan has been to contain India (Gill, 2020;Ranjan, 2021).…”

“…India and China can contribute towards several areas in and around region for instance, trade and commerce, investment, security of sea-line communication, safe navigation, fishing, terrorism and so forth (Gill, 2020). China would continue on the course to retain its second largest economy status and it is on the committed path for multilateral arrangements through Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRI, and BRICS (Kuszewska & Nitza-Makowska, 2021). The stature of both China and India is likely to benefit the entire region as their joint GDP per capita income in 2021 was 24522, China 17189 and India 7333 (Bank, 2022).…”

The Geo-Economics and Geopolitical Significance of Gwadar Port in the Changing Maritime Scenario

“…Nevertheless, the province is rich in natural resources, and access to these resources through CPEC infrastructure development is expected to make this region attractive for investment. However, the volatile security conditions of this region are the biggest challenges to implementing CPEC development projects (Hussain & Jamali, 2019;Ishaq et al, 2017;Kuszewska & Nitza-Makowska, 2021). The terrorist groups, including Balochistan Liberation Army, seeking autonomous control over the province, have repeatedly attacked foreigners and local citizens, leading to a precarious security situation.…”