The Long and Winding Road: China-Pakistan Partnership.

Byline: Adeel Kadri

In the realm of international relations, partnerships and alliances often form the bedrock of a nation's foreign policy. China, with its ever-expanding global influence, has nurtured several critical relationships over the years, but one partnership, in particular, stands out as a shining example of unwavering support and strategic significance - the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While CPEC has garnered attention for its potential to transform Pakistan's economy, it is equally crucial to delve into why CPEC is vital for China.

The China-Pakistan relationship is a testament to the enduring nature of friendships rooted in trust, shared interests, and mutual support. The historical foundations of this partnership run deep, dating back to the early 1950s when China and Pakistan established diplomatic ties. Over the years, they have stood by each other through thick and thin, including during times of war and geopolitical turbulence. China's commitment to Pakistan has remained unwavering, particularly on critical matters such as the Kashmir dispute.

This steadfast support underscores the alignment of interests between the two nations, rooted in their shared vision of regional stability and counterbalancing India's influence. At the heart of China's interest in CPEC lies the promise of economic cooperation that benefits both nations. CPEC, a flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeks to connect China's northwestern Xinjiang region to the strategically located Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan. This vast network of roads, railways, and energy projects has the potential to significantly boost regional connectivity and trade.

For China, CPEC offers a direct land route to the Arabian Sea, reducing its dependence on the Malacca Strait-a maritime chokepoint that is vulnerable to geopolitical tensions. This route not only shortens the distance for Chinese exports but also enhances energy security by providing access to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea for its oil imports from the Middle East. In essence, CPEC augments China's strategic reach and reduces its vulnerabilities in the maritime domain. China's investment in CPEC projects is an astute economic move.

It opens up new markets for Chinese goods, stimulates economic growth in Pakistan, and creates job opportunities in both countries. As a global economic powerhouse, China is keen on diversifying its trade routes and consolidating...