Sino-Iran Deal Prospects and Challenges for Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the repercussions of Sino-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership for Pakistan, focusing on both economic opportunities and strategic challenges. Essentially, China’s quest of energy security and Iran’s insolence of the US sanctions have fostered a closer bilateral relationship, impacting regional geopolitical landscape. Given Pakistan’s strategic location and infrastructural developments driven by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, this agreement offers significant economic opportunities with the potential to cause momentous geopolitical transitions. The study employs qualitative content analysis to analyze the opportunities and challenges associated with the Sino-Iran partnership, particularly its impact on Pakistan’s strategic and economic landscape. The partnership has not only capacity to enhance Pakistan’s trade and connectivity role but also complicates its foreign relations, particularly with the US, while raising concerns over security issues. The study suggests that Pakistan need to adopt a balanced diplomatic approach, ensuring economic gains from CPEC while mitigating strategic challenges caused by subsequent geopolitical tensions.