The <scp>CPEC</scp> Is Dead, Long Live the <scp>CPEC</scp> : Understanding China's Optimism Despite Project Stagnation

ABSTRACT This article investigates why China maintains public optimism about the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) despite delays, security threats, and Pakistan's structural challenges. It argues that China's narrative rests on three interconnected motives: strategic image management (to protect the Belt and Road Initiative's flagship status and Xi Jinping's legacy), protection of bilateral relations (to sustain the “all‐weather” partnership with Pakistan), and risk management (to safeguard state‐owned enterprise investments and limit financial and political scrutiny). Using official statements combined with secondary sources, the article contributes by highlighting the gap between rhetoric and actual progress, challenges in executing large projects and China's strategic downsizing through catchy slogans of “upgrade” and “small and beautiful.” The outcome can be relevant to other BRI projects. Related Articles Hussain, M., A. B. Jamali, R. D. Nisar, and A. Omar. 2024. “The China–Iran Strategic Deal and CPEC: Navigating the Influence of Pragmatic Balancing in China's Relations with Iran and Pakistan.” Politics &amp; Policy 52, no. 1: 227–244. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12573 . Hussain, M., S. I. A. Naqvi, and S. Hameed. 2024. “The Abraham Accord and the Middle Eastern QUAD: Pakistan's Energy Security Eclipse and the Way Forward.” Politics &amp; Policy 52, no. 6: 1266–1283. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12634 . Duggan, N. 2020. “China—The Champion of the Developing World: A Study of China's new Development Model and its Role in Changing Global Economic Governance.” Politics &amp; Policy 48, no. 5: 836–858. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12377 .