A Survey of Chinese Pakistani Research Centres in the Context of Belt and Road Initiative: a Case Study of Two Pakistani Research Centres in Chinese Universities

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has substantially influenced Pakistan's economic development and its relationship with China. In the wake of CPEC's 10th anniversary, Chinese universities have established 21 research centers dedicated to studying Pakistan, reflecting a deepening of academic ties between the two nations. This paper delves into the specific case studies of two such centers, the Pakistani Studies Center at Northern Minzu University and the Pakistan Research Centre at Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences, examining their objectives, research areas, contributions, and challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study showcases the diverse research areas of these centers, encompassing multiple dimensions such as decision-making support, strategic cooperation, cultural studies, educational exchanges, diplomacy, security, and resource development. The comparative analysis reveals distinctions in their levels of influence, with one operating at the national level and the other at the university level, contributing significantly to both broader policy discussions and localized cooperation. Moreover, it highlights their unique academic achievements, their roles in fostering international collaborations, and the challenges they face, including team construction, funding limitations, and limited research focus. The findings underscore the pivotal role these research centers play in advancing China-Pakistan relations within the BRI framework. Insights gleaned from this analysis offer valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance the impact and effectiveness of these research centers in furthering the collaboration between China and Pakistan.