CHINA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS: A HISTORICAL AND STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of China-Pakistan relations and their significant impact on regional security dynamics in South Asia. The research focuses on historical alliances, military collaboration, and economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Drawing on a combination of qualitative analysis and case studies, this paper explores how China and Pakistan have strategically aligned over the decades to counterbalance India’s military and geopolitical influence. The paper discusses key aspects of their cooperation, including nuclear technology transfers, arms sales, and joint military exercises, and how these have shaped the security architecture in South Asia. The development of CPEC is analyzed as a transformative factor in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlighting its economic benefits for Pakistan and its geopolitical implications for the region. The research concludes that the China-Pakistan alliance has had a profound effect on the geopolitical balance in South Asia, complicating the India-Pakistan rivalry and influencing broader global security dynamics.