China's Security Engagement with Pakistan: A Counter-terrorism Perspective and Its Impact on Regional Stability

Abstract

In the realm of security, the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan has become synonymous to China’s engagement with Pakistan in the field of security, especially in the area of counter-terrorism. In the light of common concerns about regional instability and terrorism that adversely affect both nations’ security, the partnership has begun to gain prominence. One of the key US adversaries, Pakistan is a close ally of China, the country which is investing heavily in the country’s development. China has in particular supported Pakistan to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities through training, intelligence sharing and military cooperation with a view to saving the region and securing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). But, there are questions on the wider impact on regional stability that this partnership can exert. Successes in counter-terrorism cooperation have curbed extremism in some instances, but challenges remain, especially when the balance of successfully curbing this threat with political dynamics in South Asia. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of China’s security engagement with Pakistan in counter terrorism context and examines how it affects regional stability, chiefly by neighbors such as India and Afghanistan.