The Implications of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor for Pakistan–European Union Relations

The Implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for Pakistan-European Union Relations

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) holds the potential to transform Pakistan along with its turbulent regional environment. In the short run, the multiple networks of infrastructure that the project provides will eventually improve Pakistan-European Union (EU) trade. Moreover, while the CPEC is unlikely to bring an immediate strategic shift in the bilateral dialogue, which is particularly lacking in political dynamics, its long-run promises can help to foster such dynamics. The project, if successful, can help Pakistan to establish a peaceful domestic environment and subsequently promote the country’s fresh image to reverse its softpower losses in Europe and beyond. This paper investigates contemporary Pakistan-EU relations, which have so far attracted little attention from international relations scholars. It presents the bilateral dynamics in the context of the CPEC, which is an unprecedented investment by China in Pakistan. The paper concludes by shedding light on the differences between China’s and the EU’s strategies vis-à-vis Pakistan. Despite the fact that the study focuses on one particular South Asian state, it can serve as a case study for the comparative analysis of China’s and the EU’s presence in third countries, especially those that, like Pakistan, have joined the Belt and Road Initiative.

Последствия китайско-пакистанского экономического коридора для отношений между Пакистаном и Европейским Союзом

Китайско-пакистанский экономический коридор (CPEC) может изменить Пакистан вместе с его нестабильной международной обстановкой. В краткосрочной перспективе инфраструктурные сети, созданные в рамках проекта, улучшат торговлю между Пакистаном и Европейским Союзом (ЕС). Однако улучшение торговых отношений не приведет к стратегическому прорыву в тех двусторонних отношениях, в которых отсутствует прежде всего политическая динамика, стимулировать которую могут долгосрочные последствия CPEC. Проект, если он будет завершен, создаст Пакистану возможность продвигать свой новый имидж и, как следствие, компенсировать потери мягкой силы в Европе и мире. В данной статье рассматриваются отношения между Пакистаном и ЕС, которые не привлекают значительного внимания со стороны исследователей международных отношений. В статье представлены двусторонние отношения в контексте беспрецедентных инвестиций Китая в Пакистанe. И наконец, статья проливает свет на различия в стратегиях Китая и ЕС по отношению к Пакистану. Хотя она посвящена Пакистану, может служить примером сравнительных исследований присутствия ЕС и Китая в странах, особенно в тех, которые, как и Пакистан, присоединились к китайской инициативе «Пояс и дорога».

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