GEO-POLITICS OF CHINA - PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

Abstract

The “Belt and Road” is the shorthand expression for the initiative of “Silk Road
Economic Belt” and “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” proposed by China which is an
ambitious grand strategic enterprise with consequential significance. The prime motivation
behind this vision is making sincere contributions to the regional and global economic
development by reviving the spirit of ancient “silk road”. The initiative has drawn great
global attention with mixed reactions. Some regard this as one of China's geopolitical
strategies, while others perceives it as Chinese version of the Marshall Plan. The
overarching vision of “One Belt One Road” has been linked by tributaries through corridors
to facilitate the inaccessible countries and the regions. China – Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) is one such momentous undertaking linking Pakistan with this esteemed project.
While benefits of CPEC have been much debated, however, rising concerns over its
geopolitical aspects have also gained equivalent prominence. Pakistan has suffered
immensely from geopolitical rivalries of great powers in last three decades, therefore,
cannot afford yet another great game played out on its mainland. The aim of this paper is to
highlight the conceptual dimensions of “One Belt One Road (OBOR)”, and to analyze its
challenges from realist paradigm and suggest workable policy options in making CPEC as
one of the dividends for future generations of Pakistan.