The Role of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Promoting Regional Peace and Security China – Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Issue

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project can strengthen peace and security in the South Asian region, referring to Barry Buzan's concept of economic security which assumes that to achieve national security requires a stable and prosperous economy to be able to generate resources needed for defense, infrastructure development, and social welfare. CPEC, as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to improve connectivity between the two countries through the construction of various infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports. The methodology used is descriptive qualitative research with an in-depth analysis of the literature related to CPEC and BRI, including economic security theory. Although this project promises economic growth and poverty alleviation, its implementation is not free from various obstacles, including the risk of high debt, excessive economic dependence, potential corruption, and negative impacts on the environment and local communities. At the end of this study emphasizes that collaboration between the governments of Pakistan, China, and international institutions is needed to improve transparency, governance, and sustainable investment, in order to realize stability and prosperity in the region.