Reconfiguring the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Geo-Economic Pipe Dreams Versus Geopolitical Realities

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is primarily a geopolitical project connecting China and Pakistan, driven by border disputes with India and the containment of domestic separatism. It is logistically and economically problematic due to a range of foreseeable problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has sparked significant speculation and predictions regarding its potential impact. The name of the project suggests that it aims to establish an economic corridor connecting Pakistan overland with China's Xinjiang province. However, this book delves into the question of whether CPEC serves as the primary means for promoting trade and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan.

The key finding of this study is that regional geopolitics and internal security concerns have a more substantial influence on CPEC's objectives than initially assumed. It is revealed that China's primary goals in Pakistan are geopolitical rather than geo-economic. The idea of constructing an economic and transportation corridor between Pakistan and China faces numerous logistical and economic challenges due to various foreseeable problems.

One of the primary drivers of cooperation between China and Pakistan is the resolution of border disputes with India and the containment of domestic separatism. These issues are considered critical for both countries' national security and stability. By leveraging CPEC, China aims to strengthen its influence in the region and project power beyond its borders.

Furthermore, the book highlights the strategic importance of CPEC for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a global infrastructure development project that aims to connect China with other countries through economic and transportation networks. CPEC is seen as a critical component of the BRI, as it provides a land route to access the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe, bypassing the Strait of Malacca, which is a chokepoint for maritime trade.

The book also examines the economic benefits of CPEC for Pakistan. It is argued that the project will bring about economic development, job creation, and improved infrastructure in Pakistan. However, there are concerns about the distribution of benefits and the potential impact on local communities and the environment.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of CPEC's objectives, drivers, and implications. It demonstrates that while CPEC has the potential to bring economic benefits to Pakistan, its primary purpose is geopolitical rather than geo-economic. Regional geopolitics and internal security concerns play a significant role in shaping the project's trajectory, and the cooperation between China and Pakistan is driven by a range of factors beyond economic considerations.

This book will be of interest to scholars and policy makers who are interested in the BRI, China's foreign policy, and the regional dynamics of South Asia. It offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between China, Pakistan, and other countries in the region and sheds light on the broader implications of CPEC for the global economy and geopolitical landscape.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032151861