Journal of Pakistan-China Studies (JPCS)

XINJIANG A GATEWAY TO CHINA BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

Ayesha Alam — 2024-12-31

The importance of Xinjiang in the region as a strategic connectivity hub and its implications for economic, infrastructural and geopolitical dynamics are examined thoroughly in this paper. It is strategically located between Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East; thus it plays an important role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as being a key point for trade and infrastructure projects. This research examines Xinjiang’s strategic advantages, transformative infrastructure development influence on trade and connectivity as well as substantial trade flows that are made possible by improved networks within the area. Similarly, it outlines the security challenges connected with merging countries together by explaining why regional integration should be approached delicately so that terrorism, separatism or even geopolitical rivalries can be dealt with accordingly. By examining these factors in detail, this paper is expected to shed light on the possibilities of inclusive sustainable regional development and integration in Xinjiang to policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders.

PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA (2015-2023): CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND POLICY LESSONS

Muhammad Riaz Shad — 2024-12-31

Pakistan’s economic relationship with China is a cardinal manifestation of the bilateral ties. The mutually beneficial economic engagement has a long history and continues to grow consistently. Presently, Chinese investment under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral trade ties are the prominent features of Pakistan-China economic relationship. CPEC has gained international attention while Free Trade Agreement is an important development in their economic relations. However, Pakistan remains unable to realize the full potential of investment under CPEC and trade ties with China. CPEC promises infrastructure development, industrialization and increased production but its development faces slow pace and governance challenges. Trade surplus remains heavily tilted in favour of China. This paper identifies challenges and opportunities for Pakistan in the context of its economic relations with China. In the light of these challenges and opportunities, the study also proposes policy lessons for Pakistan to establish an advantageous economic relationship with China.

EXPLORING CHINESE AESTHETIC INFLUENCE IN CONTEMPORARY PAKISTANI ART FROM EMERGING YOUNG ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE A CASE STUDY UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR.

Samina Mukhtiar — 2024-12-31

This take a look at explores the substantial have an effect on of Chinese art on Pakistan’s innovative history, focusing on younger generations’ perceptions of intercultural exchanges, tracing ancient interactions alongside the Silk road, and incorporating Chinese techniques into numerous artwork forms along with ceramics, portray, and calligraphy, to spotlight deep cultural connections and the integration of Chinese aesthetics in Pakistani structure and layout. From the historical interactions along the Silk Road to the adoption of Chinese techniques in ceramics, painting, and calligraphy, this research traces the evolution of Chinese influence on Pakistani art forms. By analyzing both traditional art forms like Mughal miniatures and contemporary artworks, the study highlights the deep-seated cultural connections between the two regions. Additionally, the study explores the integration of Chinese aesthetics in Pakistani architecture, particularly in garden and spatial design.

Significance of the study: By using highlighting the significance of cultural international relations and the role of young voices, this study contributes to a deeper know-how of the evolving creative relationships between China and Pakistan

Methodology: This look at examines modern attitudes towards cultural trade between China and Pakistan through a blended approach combining qualitative assessment and interviews with younger Pakistani artists retaining university ranges.

Finding of the study: The findings screen a nice outlook among the younger technology on how Pak-Cultural artistic collaborations have an effect on present day art practices, Specially for the reseach students, additinally reflecting broader geopolitical and cultural shifts driven via initiatives like the China-Pakistan monetary hall (CPEC) etc.

EXPLORING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF ETHNIC DYNAMICS IN PAKISTAN-CHINA RELATIONS: PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND STRATEGIC COOPERATION

Khalid Zaman — 2024-12-31

The study analyzes the economic, ethnic, and diplomatic dimensions of Pakistan-China ties amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. Understanding the complex dynamics of China-Pakistan relations is essential given the shifting global power landscape. This study analyzes the influence of regional stability, ethnic and racial interactions, and collaboration on public perceptions of the bilateral relationship. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected the data via semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires with academicians, policymakers, analysts, and graduate students. Structured questionnaires were used to ensure an understanding of the subject matter and to gather quantitative data. The data was examined, and relationships among variables were established by multivariate regression analysis. Economic cooperation (β = 0.148, p = 0.027), ethnic contacts and integration (β = 0.201, p = 0.004), diplomatic connections (β = 0.258, p = 0.002), and commercial relations (β = 0.268, p = 0.011) have a beneficial influence on Pakistan-China relations. In light of the populace's overwhelming support for the alliance, it is essential to cultivate strong diplomatic contacts and enduring cultural and economic ties to promote positive public attitudes. The qualitative findings demonstrate how the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has improved regional connectivity and infrastructure while also tackling political stability, ethnic interaction, and sustainability. The study illustrates that cultivating these traits promotes cooperation and tackles emerging regional challenges amid shifting global power dynamics.

SHIFT IN PAKISTAN POLICY REGARDING AFGHAN-TALIBAN & IMPLICATIONS FOR BEIJING-ISLAMABAD RELATIONS

Raza Rahman Khan Qazi — 2024-12-31

Since middle of year 2023 Pakistan policy regarding Afghanistan and particularly towards Afghan Taliban Administration has been registering an observable shift. While the underlying objective of this shifting Afghanistan policy of Pakistan is to address the critical threat to Pakistan security posed by Afghanistan-based and Afghan Taliban-supported Pakistani Taliban known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist-militant group, there are some other very important causes of this shift in Islamabad Afghanistan policy. This policy shift of Islamabad towards Kabul has very important implications for Pakistan ties with her most trusted ally China, the only country which has extended a sort of diplomatic recognition to Afghan Taliban Administration since the group usurped state power in Afghanistan in August 2021. This research paper looks into the causes of Pakistan policy shift towards Afghan Taliban and its implications for China.

CORRIDOR POLITICS IMEC VS. BRI: ANOTHER GEOPOLITICAL FACE-OFF IN U.S.-CHINA RIVALRY

Arhama Siddiqa — 2023-12-29

In a rapidly changing global landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukrainian conflict, and the Palestinian crisis, heightened geopolitical tensions are pushing nations toward strategic alliances and economic collaborations. One such initiative, the "India – Middle East – Europe Corridor" (IMEC), has emerged as a potential alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which plays a central role in China's global influence. The intensifying rivalry between the United States and China is a defining feature of contemporary geopolitics. IMEC's potential implementation could compel Middle Eastern nations to make strategic choices, particularly within specific industries, possibly hindering socioeconomic progress in the region. This research paper takes a neorealist perspective to analyze the U.S.-China rivalry and conducts a comparative analysis of BRI and IMEC and exploring whether the IMEC poses a challenge to the BRI within the global geopolitical and geo -economic context. Ultimately, the paper concludes that IMEC, especially against the backdrop of the 2023 Palestinian crisis, does not present a substantial threat to the BRI.

SINO-INDIAN GEOSTRATEGIC COMPETITION FOR CONTROLLING THE BLUE ECONOMY OF IRANIAN PORTS AND ITS IMPACTS ON PAKISTAN

MEHBOOB ALI KHAN — 2023-12-29

In the modern world, trade is one of the key tools used to strengthen the economy and lay the foundation for a country to achieve regional or global hegemony. It is widely acknowledged that, now maritime security has surfaced as a bone of contention between India and China which are competing with one another in the region to seek safe and cheap routes to meet their energy needs. India is leveraging its strategically important location as well as the support of the US to balance China's influence, while China is adopting its "string of pearls" strategy to connect the important choke points of the world. Therefore, this article analyzes the interests of China and India in Iranian ports, particularly in Chabahar Port, and their efforts to secure access to the region's resources and markets. It also evaluates that the Sino-Indian competition for controlling Iran's ports could have significant implications for Pakistan, including economic opportunities and challenges, geopolitical risks, and strategic choices. Moreover, this paper intends to unfold the competition through the lens of a realist approach and unwind the ground realities by using a spectrum of qualitative research methodology.

Keywords: Sino-Indian, maritime security, Pakistan, Iranian Ports, Chabahar,

THE ROLE OF CEPC INFRASTRUTURE PROJECTS ON RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Faqeer Muhammad — 2023-12-29

The research objective was to study the effects of CPEC on the resident’s quality of life and exploring the mediating role of the tourism development. To obtained the study objectives a questionnaire was designed to collect the data from the study area using random sampling. The current research utilizes PLS-SEM for empirical analysis by using SmartPLS 4 software. The results found that CPEC has a substantial impact on the resident’s quality of life and tourism development. Also, this study demonstrates that significant positive connection between tourism development and quality of life of the study area. Therefore, based on the PLS-SEM results, the government should expedite the CPEC projects and start new projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. However, to counteract the negative environmental effects of the CPEC, appropriate long-term sustainable planning is needed. Last but not least, energy crises is the main factor affecting tourism in the area. Therefore, government should initiate a mega project of energy to overcome the energy crises in Hunza.

GWADAR DEEP SEAPORT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CONTEXT OF BALOCHISTAN

Kousar BiBi — 2023-12-29

The paper “Gwadar Deep Seaport is an outstanding opportunity for the development of Balochistan” intricately explores the port's potential as a transformative force in Balochistan's development. The paper meticulously assesses a range of opportunities and challenges. It spotlights the port's economic benefits, driving trade and growth, while enhancing regional connectivity and strategic prowess.

Embedded within these opportunities are challenges dissected with precision. The paper rigorously evaluates security threats, accounting for terror risks and external influences. It navigates the complex interplay of Balochistan insurgency, topographical nuances, and weather vagaries, which could impact the port's voyage towards success.

For policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders alike, this study serves as a guiding compass, steering through the intertwined journey of Gwadar's potential and Balochistan's advancement. It intricately weaves the narrative of possibilities and hindrances, showcasing Gwadar Deep Seaport as an unparalleled avenue propelling Balochistan towards an era of remarkable development.

CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR LOCAL INHABITANTS OF GWADAR, BALOCHISTAN

Zahid Ali — 2023-12-29

This research explores the opportunities and challenges provided by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on its positive and negative impacts on the economy of the local inhabitants of Gwadar. Gwadar, being the hub of CPEC, has gained national and international attention. This study strives to explore the socio-economic impacts of CPEC on inhabitants, and how the local people perceive the impacts of mega-development projects on their lives and livelihood. This study has adopted qualitative research methodology with grounded theory for data collection and analysis. Extensive ethnographic fieldwork has been carried out in Gwadar city and data has been collected through a variety of methods, including personal observations and in-depth interviews with sixty-six participants belonging to various groups - fisherfolks, relocated people, daily wage laborers, local political workers, government officials, small businesspersons, and students. The findings demonstrate that at the beginning of the project, the inhabitants had much higher expectations of improvement in their socio-economic well-being; however, over time, they faced multiple challenges to their livelihood, such as poverty, vulnerability, relocation, lack of marketable skills, scarcity of potable water, and electricity load shedding, which, according to local inhabitants, has made their lives miserable in many aspects. The locals appreciate the mega projects and have benefited in many ways, but feel isolated and excluded from the process, leading to feelings of alienation in their city. The study recommended policy measures for mainstreaming the local people into the growing economy of Gwadar.