PAKISTAN–CHINA STRATEGIC RELATIONS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Pakistan and China have maintained a strategic partnership since 1951, widely celebrated as an “all-weather friendship” encompassing military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation. While traditional narratives emphasize mutual benefits and strategic alignment, recent developments, particularly the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reveal significant asymmetries, domestic tensions, and economic dependencies that challenge this perception. This study critically reassesses Pakistan-China relations, examining the gap between official discourse and ground realities. It asks: What are the strategic foundations of the partnership? How balanced and sustainable is it? What are its political, economic, and social implications for Pakistan? Employing a qualitative, interpretive methodology, the study draws on official documents, policy reports, academic literature, and media analysis, using discourse and critical policy analysis. The findings indicate that while the partnership provides strategic and economic advantages, power asymmetries, debt risks, provincial grievances, and environmental and labor concerns complicate its sustainability. By integrating realism, dependency theory, and critical political economy perspectives, the study contributes to international relations scholarship, offering a nuanced understanding of bilateral cooperation and practical insights for policymakers in managing asymmetric partnerships in South Asia.