China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Relaunch
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a strategic lifeline for Pakistan and a key foothold for China in South Asia.
Phase II of CPEC aims to develop industrial parks, facilitating industrial development in Pakistan, but its progress has been hindered by various issues.
- Attacks on Chinese personnel, resulting in several deaths
- Slow payback of loans
- Lack of urgency from Pakistani counterparts in executing major projects
Despite these challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Pakistan in May 2025 indicated China's renewed interest in completing CPEC.
Phase II of CPEC is meant to focus on the development of industrial parks to facilitate industrial development in Pakistan.
Author's summary: CPEC faces challenges despite China's renewed interest.