Abstract
China and Pakistan are frequently touted as “strategic partners” based on the historic journey that has fused both states in a resilient partnership. The bilateral relationship is multisectoral based on diplomatic, defence and socio-economic cooperation. If focus of the bilateral ties is to be pinpointed, it would be defence and security cooperation that has been the defining factor of the relationship. However, the equation transformed with the transformation in the geopolitical context of the South Asian region post-2011. Pakistan signed a major economic venture with China; the China Pakistan Economic Corridor besides opening up to Russia as well. After the launch of CPEC in 2015, the defence centric bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China changed into a mega economic partnership. The paper has attempted to understand this transformation between the two countries and make a case for “strategic interdependence” rather than strategic partnership. Since, interdependence takes a deeper meaning than partnership.
Highlights
Pakistan and China have shared an unparalleled bond since their inception
CPEC can be considered as a litmus test for various other projects under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
It is imperative to note economic cooperation between the two countries was nothing compared to the investments made under CPEC
Summary
Pakistan and China have shared an unparalleled bond since their inception. Both countries share a history of cultural and trade links. The creation of Joint Committee of Economy, Trade and Technology in 1982 served as a significant development in enhancing the strategic partnership Another defining factor of Sino-Pak friendship was in the defence domain; the Comprehensive Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that was signed in 1986. Though CPEC is just one corridor out of six under China’s BRI it is one of the most crucial ones and amiable relations with Pakistan makes it easier for China to achieve its goals in the region Pakistan too, considers this opportunity vital for redirecting its economy towards industrial sector. All such steps taken by the Chinese government reflect how crucial Afghanistan is for the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan. Afghanistan is viewed as a lynchpin for China to connect the regions of Central Asia, East Asia and South Asia under its flagship project BRI (Fazl-e-Haider, 2020)
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