Pakistan-China Relations: Where They Go from Here?

Abstract

Pakistan and China friendship, described by the leadership of both countries as higher than mountains, deeper than the oceans, and of late, sweeter than honey, is a unique case in the international system we live in, yet the relationship is based on sound geostrategic and realist calculations. An important contributing factor in the further strengthening and diversification of the relation would be how effectively both countries improve their economic relations. While this article argues that there are no chances of any problems emerging for this relationship, Islamabad needs to invest a lot more in understanding the Chinese mindset and the compulsions and limitations of the relationship. However, four issues will be important in shaping up the changing outlook of Pakistan-China relations: terrorism, security of Chinese personnel engaged in different projects in Pakistan, people to people contact and India.