THE IMPERATIVES OF REGIONAL SECURITY A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN-CHINA RELATIONS IN THE POST 9/11 PERIOD

Abstract

South Asian regional security has been comprehensively transformed in the post 9/11 period with intensification in traditional security threats along with the emergence of non-traditional security challenges. This study encompasses the emerging trends and the imperatives of regional security to investigate various aspects of strategic relations between Pakistan and China which existed in the past and explores whether their relations in the changed political theatre of the post 9/11 period have further enhanced or remained static. The study provides analysis of Pakistan-China relations by taking into account the new variables in post 9/11 era, which have acquired significance and bear on the implications of enhanced bilateral relationship, upon welfare of the people and conclusively for prosperity of the region. The study draws upon the vast literature and unpublished records to build an approach for examining the correlation between imperatives of regional security and enhancement of Pakistan-China strategic cooperation. In addition, the research endeavours to examine the role of China that it can offer to mediate the intricate state of regional affairs and provides the impetus to regional economies. Pakistan-China strategic partnership is crucial to maintain the balance of power in the region as it vouches regional security and stability. Indo-US strategic cooperation in defence and nuclear technology, support for India‟s inclusion into the United Nation Security Council as permanent member and US‟ stern approach of containing China‟s rise poses an aggravating threat to existing balance of power in the region. The study predicts that the future prospects of Pakistan and China‟s cooperation in promoting regional security, stability and cooperation are bright. Both the countries are committed to enhance cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels by forging a „community of shared destiny‟ with the objective of socio-economic development, for the people of both the countries as well as for the region. Therefore, promoting regional peace by meeting the imperatives of regional security such as eradication of extremism and terrorism, close cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan and making joint efforts for regional connectivity in South Asia would be in the common interest of both Pakistan and China, and the region at large.