The Strategic Importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Its Impact on Strategic Stability in South Asia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58329/criss.v3i3.148Abstract
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China intends to spend about $62 billion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the coming years as a part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC has both geoeconomic and geostrategic implications. This is a game changer for China globally as it wants to reach the Middle East, Europe, and Africa for trade and energy supplies via a shorter and alternate route. However, for Pakistan, this project not only helps in its economic development but also ensures its security against India. This study aims to examine India’s reaction to Chinese investment in the region and its impact on strategic stability in South Asia. India fears encirclement of its territory because of China’s presence in Pakistan, the Indian Ocean, and Myanmar. At the same time, the US is concerned that China is trying to revise the status quo in which the US sits at the apex. At this moment, the interests of the US and India seem to align, and they have already entered a strategic partnership. This study is qualitative in nature and relies on primary as well as secondary data available on CPEC and strategic stability. South Asia is becoming relevant to great powers’ politics. China’s investment in Pakistan will deter India from attacking Pakistan, and India will be helped by the US to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon.
Keywords:
Strategic Stability, Geoeconomic, Geostrategic, CPEC, Strategic Partnership, Great Powers Politics, Deterrence, Regional Hegemony
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