Beyond Borders A New Analysis of External Challenges of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

A new Global Order is emerging, along with new (re)alignments taking place in interstate relations between Pakistan and China towards the eastern camp. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is US$62 billion, and it will combat persistent instability, leverage Pakistan's strategic location, build economic development zones, support social infrastructure, and address Pakistan's energy deficit. CPEC will give China another entry point into the Indian Ocean through the Gwadar Port in Balochistan and Pakistan, which will provide a massive opportunity to improve its dire economic situation. However, to make the CPEC a successful reality, the state of Pakistan must confront and overcome a number of difficulties. Pakistan is clearly moving away from geostrategic concerns and towards geo-economics cooperation, emphasizing solid relationships with key regional players. Conversely, the CPEC has faced considerable international scrutiny and criticism since its launch in 2013. However, both countries face external challenges, both regional and global. This article aims to analyze the external challenges that Pakistan has been facing since the beginning of the CPEC and its economic lifeline. Pakistan is trying to balance relations with its neighboring countries and balance the power, which can resolve the external challenges of CPEC.