Impact of CPEC on Regional and Extra-regional Actors

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a comprehensive development deal that not only establishes economic and strategic connectivity between Pakistan and China but also has the potential of integrating other sub-regions of Asia and could play a key role in improving economic and strategic environment. However, for some regional and extra-regional actors, CPEC is like an awful dream and has met criticism as it affects business of some countries and threatens the political interests of some others. Nonetheless, if implemented as planned, CPEC can offer infinite bounties to many countries that can provide benefits in the long run. At present, Pakistan and China need to engage the concerned regional actors strategically and should counter the threats to CPEC rationally in order to make this project a success. Therefore, the paper attempts to answer the following questions: What are the potential benefits of CPEC for Pakistan and China and different regional actors? What challenges CPEC could face in the region? How the regional and extra regional actors view this project? In the end, the authors will try to figure out some solutions for the potential challenges.