The Geopolitics of China-Pakistan Historical Connectivity and Its Economic and Strategic Significance

Abstract

Pakistan was once an important section of the ancient Silk Road. For centuries, the southern part of this ancient trade route also served as a converging point for different civilizations because of its strategic importance in an area where the East meets the West and the South meets the North. At present the China-Pakistan relationship and the revival of the ancient Silk Road are mostly viewed in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, this relationship goes back centuries and important aspects to regional connectivity remain understudied. This paper aims to explain the different phases of the relationship between China and Pakistan in the context of the Silk Road and how this historical connectivity played a significant strategic role in regional geopolitics. It traces the roots of this relationship when the old Silk Road was still emerging as the important trade route between Asia and Europe. After centuries, the two countries have again built on reviving this ancient trade route by constructing the famous strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH). The relationship is finally entered its culminating stage in terms of connectivity with the initiation of the CPEC under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.