Journal of Pakistan-China Studies (JPCS)

CHINA’S STRATEGIC NARRATIVES ON THE CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC), 2015–2020

Sadeeq Ullah — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – has generated significant academic discourse and policy debates considering its implication to transform regional dynamics and foster economic growth. This article investigates how Chinese official rhetoric had depicted CPEC during 2015–2020, based on the analysis of Chinese state narrative in government white papers, policy statements, and articles in media. Analysis revealed that Chinese propaganda depicted CPEC as a cooperative and mutually beneficial project, with an emphasis on such narratives of partnership and economic modernization, referred to through themes of infrastructure development in Pakistan. And the narrative equally underscored China's larger strategic objectives, painting CPEC as an element of its conception of multilateralism, global connectedness and regional integration under the BRI. Security concerns in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were acknowledged, but Chinese statements emphasized working with Pakistani authorities to drive the project forward. The results demonstrate that in addition to economic purposes, CPEC also acts as a platform for China to promote its image of overall constructive power and strategic influence-building in South Asia

PERCEIVED IMPACT OF CPEC ON REGIONAL COOPERATION: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BRT PESHAWAR-TORKHAM ROUTE'S

Shahid Khan — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the perceived impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on regional cooperation through the prospective development of the BRT Peshawar–Torkham corridor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from a stratified sample of 778 respondents in Peshawar, comprising 747 individuals engaged in trade and commerce, 13 representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 18 BRT specialists, and 1 regional CPEC expert. A structured questionnaire, validated for reliability, captured demographic profiles alongside perceptions regarding CPEC and the BRT route. Descriptive statistical analyses, including frequency distributions and bar charts, were utilized for interpretation. Findings reveal that the majority of respondents were male, over 50 years of age, married, highly educated, engaged in the retail and service sectors, with over a decade of business experience, geographically located along the BRT–Torkham route, and frequent BRT users. Regarding the perceived impact of CPEC, 305 respondents (39%) agreed that it strengthens economic linkages among regional actors; 232 (30%) acknowledged its role in fostering peace and stability; 246 (31%) viewed it as a medium for cultural exchange; 295 (38%) identified it as a catalyst for socio-economic development; and 274 (35%) affirmed its potential as a regional game-changer. Similarly, perceptions regarding the BRT–Torkham route indicate that 201 respondents (26%) believed it would enhance cross-border trade; 338 (43%) considered it a viable safe corridor among the three countries; 346 (45%) reported its potential to reduce transportation time and logistical bottlenecks; 328 (42%) anticipated increased

EXPLORING TEACHING STRATEGIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION: A CROSS NATIONAL REVIEW OF PRACTICES IN CHINA AND PAKISTAN

Nasir Ali, Tanveer Ahmad, Miss Wenhao Yao, Gulap Shahzada, Professor Sen Li — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The current study provides a cross national comparison of physical education (PE) teaching strategies employed in Chinese and Pakistani secondary schools. In order to investigate PE teaching strategies, pedagogical frameworks, and the sociocultural and policy contexts influencing physical education in both nations, the research synthesizes empirical studies, policy documents, and curriculum guidelines using an integrative literature review methodology. The findings of the research show that China employs a systematic, innovation-focused, and policy-driven approach that combines conventional techniques with technology-enhanced instruction, student-centered learning, the Tactical Games Approach (TGA), and comprehensive health education. The strategies align with the national struggle including Healthy China 2030, focusing on PE exercises that people should perform throughout their lives, their health, and mental health. In Pakistan, PE instruction is teacher-centered and mostly traditional which focuses only on command style teachings, limited curriculum innovation and direct instruction. Educational progress is further hindered by the lack of resources, lack of PD training and prioritization of policies. Nevertheless, these differences notwithstanding, both systems identify the importance of PE in enhancing the physical and socio emotional development of children. The current study concluded with several recommendations on change in the curriculum, policy development and provision of teacher training especially in Pakistan to develop more holistic, effective and attractive PE program. This review contributes to a more comprehensive knowledge of how educational policy, culture, and resources influence PE practices, providing significant insights for reform in similarly organized educational systems.

STRATEGIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA: AN ANALYTICAL CASE STUDY OF THE CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

Abdul Ghafoor, Adil Zaman Kasi, Abdul Qadir — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the strategic bilateral relations between Pakistan and China through the lens of the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It positions CPEC as both an economic opportunity and a strategic pillar of the Sino‑Pak partnership. Using a qualitative content analysis of secondary sources such as journal articles and policy papers, the research applies the framework of Neo‑liberal institutionalism to assess cooperation, interdependence, and policy challenges. Findings reveal that while CPEC enhances connectivity and regional integration, its success is hindered by governance gaps, security concerns, and uneven resource distribution. The study highlights the importance of linking documentary evidence to human security and critical security literature. It recommends strengthening institutional capacity, addressing gender and environmental dimensions, and ensuring transparent policy implementation to maximize CPEC’s long‑term benefits for Pakistan’s economy and regional cooperation.

A NEW GEOPOLITICS AND GEO-ECONOMICS OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS (REES): A CASE STUDY OF CHINA

Aamir Khan — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The current world order and international trade have entered into advanced technological and economic security of rare earth elements (REEs). A geopolitical evolving bloc has significantly reshaped the global world order and trade. A geopolitical game on periodic table will shape world politics aiming to control resources. This paper aims to analyze the use of China’s politics of REEs, which significantly impacts the world trade into groupings. The apparent competition for REEs is between states including US, China, Japan and Russia. There is a wide array of literature available on the trade competition between the US and China, and various scholars have established considerable scholarship on the subject matter. The central question is how the REEs will shape the future geopolitical-driven trade war and conflicts in the context of their foreign policies. Therefore, it is argued that the geopolitics of REEs will further exacerbate the great powers rivalries and competition over REEs. The 21st-century economy is based on the REEs. The new dimensions of the world economy will shape future geopolitics and geo-economics on strategic lines and aspects.

FROM GAWADAR TO BEIJING: BALOCHISTAN’S ROLE IN THE STRATEGIC DEPTH OF PAKISTAN- CHINA RELATIONS

Sadia Rafique, Zabrain sana — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the strategic and economic potential of Balochistan through an analysis of governance issues, local perspectives, and the disparity between promises and on-ground implementation. Drawing on available data, the research identifies the barriers to equitable development and highlights governance challenges such as corruption, inadequate local participation, and a lack of transparency in decision-making processes.

The findings reveal that while Balochistan is a critical partner in the CPEC framework, its local communities remain economically marginalized, with limited access to the dividends of major infrastructure projects. The region's vast resources and contributions to the national economy contrast starkly with the deprivation faced by its inhabitants. Furthermore, governance shortcomings and insufficient recognition of changing regional geopolitics exacerbate these issues, hindering the realization of development objectives.

The study underscores the necessity for inclusive and transparent governance mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of Pakistan-China relations. Policy recommendations emphasize the importance of local stakeholder involvement and equitable strategies in decision-making processes. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that bridges the gap between developmental promises and tangible outcomes, fostering mutual trust and stability in the region.

THE EVOLUTION OF GWADAR PORT: SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS WITHIN THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Tang Jun, Lirong Lyu, Guang Yang — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the strategic development and geopolitical significance of Gwadar Port in Pakistan, analyzing historical and contemporary efforts by the United States, Singapore, and China. Gwadar Port, located on Pakistan's southwestern coast, has transformed from a small fishing village into a major deep-sea port with substantial economic and strategic value. The research objectives include evaluating the socio-economic impact of the port on the local population, assessing its strategic significance, and identifying challenges while recommending future development strategies. Methodologies employed include surveys among Gwadar residents, document analysis, archival research, and case studies of American, Singaporean, and Chinese involvement. The findings reveal that while the port's development has created employment opportunities and improved infrastructure, significant challenges remain, including regional instability and major power rivalries.

The study highlights the port's crucial role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing its potential to enhance regional trade and economic integration. However, it also underscores the need for enhanced China-Pakistan strategic trust, multilateral cooperation, and strategic communication with major powers to ensure sustainable development. The author hopes this study will offer insights for policymakers to maximize benefits and address challenges, while acknowledging limitations related to data accuracy and geopolitical dynamics.

ENERGY SECURITY AND GEOPOLITICS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A CASE STUDY OF CHINA

Aamir Khan — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In China’s growth and development, geo-economics plays a vital role. Geo-economics is the major determinant of Chinese foreign policy behavior and strategy. For this purpose, China’s foreign policy is changing, molding, and restructuring in line with geo-economics with immediate neighbors and the world at large. Since the 2009 economic crisis and slowdown, China has developed two-line strategies, i.e., reliance on domestic consumption and foreign direct investment abroad, to sustain economic growth and its role in the world. These all lead to the development of China’s increasing role and its foreign policy engagements in the world. A qualitative research methodology is utilized in this paper. Both primary and secondary data was used. Data is analyzed through descriptive-analytical lenses and techniques. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of geo-economics in China’s foreign policy. It is found that geopolitics is subject to China’s foreign policy behavior. China is actively engaging with various states in order to meet their economic interests and priorities

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

Ayesha Alam, Kousar BiBi, Mukesh Kumar Khatwani — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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, Amir Mustafa, Maira Tariq — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.