There has been a great deal of speculation and prognostication about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The projects name suggests it is intended to be an economic corridor connecting Pakistan overland with Chinas Xinjiang province. This book examines whether CPECs primary purpose is as an overland conduit for trade and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. The key finding is that aims related to regional geopolitics and internal security have, in reality, a more significant impact.
The book demonstrates that Chinas goals in Pakistan are primarily geopolitical rather than geo-economic, since the notion of constructing an economic and transportation corridor between Pakistan and China is logistically and economically problematic due to a range of foreseeable problems. Most importantly, border disputes with India and the containment of domestic separatism motivate are the driving forces for cooperation between the partners.
This book will be of interest to scholars who research the BRI, as well as policy makers.
