ABSTRACT
China and Pakistan have continued a stable relationship since the early 1960s. The chapter deals with the Sino-Pakistan bilateral interaction that mainly involves partnership in economic, cultural and military areas. Both countries opened an important integrated network of infrastructure – the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that fits into the Belt and Road Initiative designed by China at the beginning of this new century. This initiative intends to strengthen infrastructure both on the land route from China through Central Asia and on the southerly maritime. However, many actors in the region, including local ethnic groups, have territorial or political claims. This context causes great concern for the Chinese government. A special feature of this chapter is to confront the Belt and Road Initiative project in Pakistan and its main security dilemmas. The political instability in Pakistan, particularly in Baluchistan area, and the continued terrorist attacks perpetuated by Uighur separatist groups are some of the problems that have been undermining Chinese intention in the region. The chapter aims to understand all factors that would affect bilateral relations between China and Pakistan and would damage the initiative with clear implications on regional security.
