Abstract:

Geo-economic considerations are increasingly dictating states’ behavior. They serve as a preferred foreign policy tool to attain geostrategic objectives. CPEC, with a multibillion-dollar investment from China, is a pertinent example to validate this claim. By virtue of its strategic location between the energy deficient and energy rich states, Pakistan assumes a significant position on the globe. China has committed itself to exploiting Pakistan’s position with the aim to enhancing its own global influence. Simultaneously, it proclaims massive dividends for Pakistan spanning across geo-economic and geopolitical spectrum. Main hypothesis states that economic cooperation between China and Pakistan has potential to safeguard their strategic objectives. This paper explores key geo-economic indicators that maneuver contemporary geostrategic partnership between the two states and how has the CPEC brought an economic dimension to the relations that traditionally centered around geostrategic interests. International relation theories of realism in parallel with the liberalist school of thought have been used along with concept of economic interdependence which provide sufficient rationale to explain the current state of cooperative relations between the two. With the help of secondary source of data, this paper presents three main findings: (i) states’ economic and strategic interests are increasingly interlinked; (ii) CPEC although a predominantly economic venture, has its roots in mutual security and strategic concerns; (iii) converging strategic interests prevail over divergent ideologies. Conclusion reiterates that the CPEC serves as an effective economic tool to cater to China and Pakistan’s strategic interest.

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