Pakistan-China Strategic Interdependence: Post-9/11 Imperatives

Abstract

To understand Pakistan-China relations, it is necessary to discuss the evolution and development of their long term bilateral relations including factors and the environment that led to the consolidation of their strategic interdependence. The two countries initiated their bilateral relations by forging diplomatic ties and become close partners. They further engaged and consolidated their strategic interdependence and termed it as ‘Iron Brothers.’ This paper analyses basis of comprehensive cooperation under the different phases of Pakistan-China relations and the imperatives of interdependence between the two countries. It focuses on China’s importance and engagement in the emerging dynamics of South Asia, especially India’s efforts for regional superiority and its partnerships with major powers, particularly with the US. The outcome of discussion reflects that in the post 9/11 period, the imperatives of regional security, especially the growing Indo-US copertaion, added new dimensions to the Pakistan-China relationship.