Recalibrating Regional Power: The Geopolitical Implications of CPEC in South Asia

Abstract

Introduction The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a trailblazer of the Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) flagship project, an infrastructure network that can change the world when passing through China’s Xinjiang province influencing all across Pakistan right down to its Gwadar Port 1. Although mainly aimed at boosting commerce and sae1 integrate ion, CPEC has major geopolitical implications for South Asia that will affect regional power balances, strategic realignments and security calculus. Objective: This study tries to investigate geostrategic outcomes of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in South Asia by considering whether its infrastructure development, economic interdependence and strategic connectivity is re-defining regional dynamics especially on part of China, Pakistan, India and relevant actors. Method: A qualitative research approach consisting of theories, case study analyses and policy analysis was used. The research applied neoclassical realism and economic interdependence theory in understanding the strategic behaviors of states that were party to contention. Both primary sources (i.e., government reports and policy documents) and secondary sources (i.e., peer-reviewed articles, international analyses) were used to ensure that data collected covered all aspects of CPEC’s geopolitical implications. Results: It is observed that CPEC strengthens the Chinese strategic foothold at the Arabian Sea and Pakistani economic infrastructure, however it sparks Indian and other regional states’ apprehensions about sovereignty and power in this region. Economic advantages (e.g., trade expansion, employment creation, energy supply) are confronted with security threats, political volatility and environmental issues. The corridor would also accelerate regional re-alignments, which would usher new alliances and strategic maneuvers. Conclusion: CPEC is not merely an economic project but a geopolitical tool in the hands of China to restructure power equations in South Asiac. It will be a success and it will have long-term effects only if the security, political and environmental problems are addressed in conjunction with multilateral cooperation