CPEC: The U.S. Stance and its Impact on Pakistan-U.S. Relations

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cluster of infrastructure-build-up projects for Pakistan with Chinese assistance was signed in 2013. The Rise of China had kept the U.S. perturbed for the last two decades, however its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) added salt to injury. The U.S. expressed its displeasure over CPEC, its policy makers gradually started bracketing Pakistan with China. At a juncture, when the U.S. was already unhappy with Pakistan due to numerous Afghanistan- related developments, its serious discomfort with CPEC impacted the bilateral relations considerably. The U.S. has been close to Pakistan since its independence particularly during Afghan War and War on Terror both economically and militarily. Similarly, China is an all-weather friend and natural strategic ally against India. The CPEC-oriented grudge has brought the U.S. closer to India which is a serious concern for Islamabad. The question of balancing relations between U.S. and China perplexes Pakistan policymakers.