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CPEC and Geo-Security Behind Geo-Economics: China’s Master Stroke to Counter Terrorism and Energy Security Dilemma

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Abstract

The paper employed a geo-economics approach to investigate the twofold Chinese geopolitical intentions behind the execution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. China financed the CPEC project to overcome energy security and terrorism in Xinjiang. The paper examines the correlation between economic development and security objectives by answering the following key questions. (a) Whether CPEC has the potential to alleviate China’s energy and security dilemma? (b) To what extent CPEC can act as a lever to achieve security interests? The paper argues that geopolitical and geo-security concerns motivate Chinese leadership to use the geo-economics approach. The $65 billion investment in the construction of CPEC has mammoth potential to revitalize the Chinese dream to achieve security through economic and infrastructure development. For Beijing, infrastructure and economic development along the corridor belt would guarantee peace and security in Xinjiang and an overland route of CPEC for energy supplies will circumvent the Malacca dilemma alleviating the threat to the Chinese energy lifeline.

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  1. Department of International Relations, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan

    Mehmood Hussain

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Hussain, M. CPEC and Geo-Security Behind Geo-Economics: China’s Master Stroke to Counter Terrorism and Energy Security Dilemma. East Asia 38, 313–332 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12140-021-09364-z

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