WHY NOT CHINA AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CAPEC) INSTEAD OF CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

Abstract

On 21^st May 2025, China and Pakistan mutually decided to include Afghanistan in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is, indeed, the most historic development in a sphere of regional connectivity augmented by stability in South Asia. This agreement pertaining to economic integration heralds the departure from mentalities of the British colonial era of 19^th century and the Cold War of the 20^th century during which Afghanistan was considered rather treated as a Buffer State. China catapulted this mindset and approached Afghanistan with respect, grace and honour deserved by any independent nation. There will be assured regional security, especially counter-terrorism measures between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The troika; China. Pakistan and Afghanistan stressed the necessity of combating foreign-sponsored terrorism against any one of them and ensure durable peace in the region. Another geopolitical advantage that Afghanistan would gain is its legitimised status as a responsible state on the global stage. This strategic move would consolidate Afghanistan’s incorporation into the regional coherence, deeper economic collaboration with China and enhanced cooperation and coordination with Pakistan on security issues among which terrorism is a top priority matter. Amidst this scenario of China’s growing influence in the Afghanistan-Pakistan (Af-Pak) region, the United States (US) and its western allies’ maneuvering would surely recede to the lowest level. This study focuses on strategic advantages secured by regional states after the incorporation of Afghanistan into China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).