A broader dimension of CPEC By Dr Muhammad Khan.

THE most significant and decisive factor in the interstate relationship of the states is the bilateral trust and mutual respect of each other's sovereignty.

In international relations these aspects are driven by national interests of the states. In the relationship of Pakistan and China bilateral trust and mutual respect of each other's sovereignty have been the defining factors.

Generally, there have been convergences of national interests of both states in many areas. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the latest manifestation of trust, mutual respect and shared national interests with common developmental goals of both countries.

CPEC aimed to drive practical cooperation of both countries for the development of port facility at Gwadar and other projects like energy resources, infrastructure development and industrial cooperation.

The ultimate objective of these projects is economic opportunities for the masses of both countries and other regions of Asian Continent.

Siegfried O. Wolf authored a book entitled, 'The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative: Concept, Context and Assessment'.

The essence of this book is that, CPEC is a project of immense significance for Pakistan and China.

The book provides an in-depth analysis of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); the gigantic Chinese project, which encompasses a set of corridors and Maritime Silk route spreading over to three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe.

The author highlighted the philosophy behind Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and more about the strategy of Economic Corridors (ECs).

The primary objectives of having these economic corridors are to connect China with its neighbours and then other regions and countries beyond Asia.

Contextualizing from history, the ancient Silk Road started during the westward expansion of Chinese Han Dynasty from; 206 BCE to 220 CE.

It forged trade networks passing through contemporary Central Asian Region, Afghanistan, India and today's Pakistan to further south, reaching over to European and African continents.

The BRI is therefore, revival of the old Silk Road and Maritime Route by modern Chinese leadership.

The enormous size of Chinese economy and heavy industrialization warrants new communication corridors and routes in this highly interconnected and globalized world.

Besides, China needs energy resources and raw material in order to maintain its sustained growth and economic development.

The huge industrial...