Pak-China and Central Asia Strategic Partnership: An Analysis

Abstract

China is Pakistan’s strategic partner and an all-weather friend. A large number of Chinese companies are working in Pakistan, which support different development projects. China also has strong diplomatic ties with the neighbouring Central Asian states. They share their cooperation through different forums. Pakistan and Central Asian states also enjoy trade and cultural relations. Pakistan has provided all three ports—Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port to Central Asian countries for trade. Pakistan has also signed a number of agreements with them. Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan gas pipeline is an important project in this regard. Pakistan and China’s relations with these republics is emerging as a natural bloc in the progress of the entire area. Pakistan and Central Asia are members of the OIC and China has always maintained good relations with all these Islamic states. The strategic communication and trade linkages of this triangle are expected to enhance interregional economic and political activity.