CPEC AS A FLAGSHIP PROJECT OF BRI AND ITS POLITICO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), represents a monumental shift in the geopolitical and economic landscape of South Asia. This study critically analyzes the multifaceted implications of CPEC, focusing on its politico-economic dimensions. As an extensive network of infrastructure projects, CPEC aims to enhance connectivity between China and Pakistan, fostering economic growth and regional integration. The project holds the potential to transform Pakistan’s economic outlook by addressing its energy deficits, improving infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment. However, the ambitious scale and strategic significance of CPEC have sparked diverse reactions from various regional and global actors. Politically, CPEC is poised to strengthen Sino-Pakistani relations, reinforcing their strategic partnership while potentially altering the balance of power in South Asia. The corridor's development has raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly India, due to its perceived encroachment on territorial sovereignty and regional influence. Additionally, the project has implications for Pakistan's internal politics, including potential shifts in power dynamics and governance structures. This study explores these aspects, providing a comprehensive analysis of CPEC's implications for Pakistan's economic stability and regional geopolitics. By examining the strategic objectives, challenges, and opportunities associated with CPEC, this research aims to contribute to a detail understanding of its role as a flagship project of BRI. The findings underscore the complexity of balancing economic development with political stability and regional security in the context of an evolving global order.