A Study of Pakistan-China Defense Relations (2000-2012)

Abstract

Pakistan and China have cordial bilateral relations right from the very beginning. Pakistan being the most significant Muslim country located at a geo-strategically important geological juncture and equipped with nuclear deterrent while China being the most emergent economic and technological giant have remained the focus of attention for regional and international political actors. Owing to the strategically complex regional location and the obvious involvement of major political actors of international community herein, both countries have to strengthen the mutual defense ties. Both countries are currently working jointly in all fields related to defense including nuclear cooperation and development of conventional and non-conventional weaponries.Gawadar Port is a geo-strategically important project which is being developed jointly by both countries. The said port and the respective region are constantly under attack by the countries which do not want Pak-China collaboration to flourish. In the context of War Against Terrorism, it is quite significant to examine the quantum of defense collaboration between both countries to conclude that whether Pakistan-China defense relations have been affected by the said war positively or negatively. The present study finds that in spite of various hurdles being present between both countries to improve their geostrategic relationship; both are still managing to strengthen their bilateral defense collaboration.

Keywords: Pakistan, China, defense, geostrategic, relationship, War Against Terrorism,