CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE GEO-STRATEGIC AND ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF CPEC IN SOUTH ASIA

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has significant geo-strategic and economic implications for South Asia. This critical analysis explores how CPEC is reshaping regional dynamics by enhancing trade connectivity and energy security while also intensifying strategic rivalries, particularly with India. While CPEC offers economic growth opportunities, especially for Pakistan, it also presents challenges such as debt dependency, uneven development, and potential regional instability. The study underscores the importance of managing these complexities to maximize CPEC's benefits and minimize risks for South Asia's future stability and prosperity.