The China Factor in Pakistan’s Geo-economic Tilt

In 1947, the establishment of Pakistan was accompanied by a profound security dilemma, particularly concerning its relationship with India, a dynamic that continues to significantly influence its foreign policy trajectory. Historically, Pakistan’s focus on state security has driven its alliances, notably with the United States and, more recently, with China. The dual objectives of achieving security through economic development have become increasingly pronounced in the context of Pakistan’s deepening partnership with China, especially as evidenced by the substantial investments made in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Since the inception of CPEC in 2015, Pakistan has actively sought to leverage this initiative to provide landlocked Central Asian Republics with critical access to maritime routes via the Gwadar Port. Confronted with numerous challenges, including a severe economic crisis, Islamabad is progressively recognizing the necessity of prioritizing geo-economics over traditional geopolitical considerations. This pivot aims to capitalize on its strategic location to foster economic growth through enhanced trade and connectivity, which is largely dependent on the partnership with China. This study undertakes an in-depth analysis of archival data from both primary and secondary sources to explore this phenomenon. This study argues that Pakistan’s foreign policy increasingly reflects an embrace of geo-economics, driven by a combination of domestic factors and China’s pronounced emphasis on the geo-economic potential of CPEC. While Pakistan asserts a commitment to prioritizing geo-economics, its relationship with China remains influenced by enduring geostrategic considerations, particularly in relation to India.