The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered its second phase, yet its momentum, productivity and expansion remain suboptimal due to persistent geopolitical, geo-economic and bureaucratic challenges. Despite concerted efforts by Islamabad and Beijing, uncertainty continues to surround CPEC 2.0. Compounding these difficulties is the growing social media disinformation targeting CPEC, China and the Pakistan-China friendship, which has widened the trust deficit and undermined investor confidence.

The recent visit of Liu Haixing, Head of the Communist Party of China’s International Department, to Pakistan has provided renewed momentum to bilateral cooperation. His meetings with senior civil and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir, focused on regional security, counterterrorism cooperation and the proposed “Joint Security Corridor”. These engagements reflect a shared determination to strengthen security cooperation, protect Chinese nationals and investments and create a stable environment for CPEC 2.0.

Unfortunately, CPEC has increasingly become a target of regional proxy networks and terrorist organizations, particularly in Balochistan and around Gwadar Port. Attacks attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and other militant organizations have created serious security challenges for Chinese personnel, infrastructure and investment. Repeated attacks on Chinese nationals have weakened investor confidence and complicated development projects. These threats carry significant socio-economic and geo-economic consequences for both countries.

CPEC is designed to promote regional connectivity, infrastructure development, industrial cooperation, agricultural modernization and shared prosperity. However, its strategic and economic significance has also generated regional competition and opposition. Meanwhile, deteriorating........

© Pakistan Observer