Geopolitical Dynamics of the Pak–China Maritime Cooperation: A Blue Economy Perspective

Abstract

The maritime domain has emerged as an emblematic arena for geopolitical maneuvering, economic synergy, and strategic competition in the 21st century. As the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has assumed greater resonance, the maritime component of this corridor, often referred to as the “Maritime Silk Road,” holds the potential to reshape and nurtures the economic and geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean region. The blue economy encompasses various sectors, including fisheries, shipping, renewable energy, and trade while plays as a catalyst in the economic prosperity and sustainability of coastal nations. This research aims to explore the multifaceted geopolitical implications of the maritime cooperation between Pakistan and China, with a specific focus on its profound impact on the blue economy. This blue web of strategic nexus has potential in the terms of diplomatic, military, and economic ties, while capable of harnessing cultural, technological, and educational exchanges. Gwadar Port, the gateway to the Arabian Sea, has emerged as a pivotal factor in this equation due to its role in fostering regional and international interconnectivity. However, this is also vulnerable to growing security, environmental, and geopolitical rivalries.

Keywords

• Geopolitics
• maritime cooperation
• blue economy
• China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
• maritime silk road