Realignment: The UK-China Nexus and What it Means for Pakistan and CPEC

Abstract

China and the United Kingdom have both embarked on ambitious national trajectories that could determine the economic and political landscape of the region in the coming decades. Carrying the historical weight of their past as former colonial masters and subjects, as parties on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain and then as economic partners; the two nations are set to begin a new chapter in their national histories. As trade and investment reaches unprecedented scales and ultimately pushes the two countries towards a closer working partnership. In the uncertain political future being shaped by landmark events such as the launch of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) project and Brexit, Pakistan finds itself poised to benefit from these events. As a close partner of both countries, Pakistan is in a unique position where it can shape the future of Sino-British engagement and can meet its own economic goals along the way. This paper explores the myriad opportunities and challenges that present themselves to Pakistan as the UK-China partnership unfolds and further elucidates on how policymakers can position themselves to ensure that the coming years allow Pakistan to secure its interests whilst deepening ties with China and the UK.