China might need to reconsider its involvement in Pakistan if Chinese officials face safety issues in traveling to Islamabad. The progress of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is threatened by crises in Islamabad, impacting Beijing’s significant investments in the region. A report by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) highlighted the challenges faced by China in asserting dominance in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The report pointed out that recent tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have jeopardized China’s ambitions for a stable and prosperous region along its western and southwestern borders. The deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban since the latter’s resurgence in Kabul in 2021 has raised concerns for China, which heavily invested $62 billion in Islamabad a decade ago.
China’s strategic focus on Pakistan through the CPEC has been hindered by domestic unrest in the country, affecting the implementation of key infrastructure projects. Security threats, including attacks by groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have disrupted CPEC initiatives, such as the Gwadar Port project in Balochistan. The unstable security situation has forced officials to conduct project inaugurations online due to safety risks.
Despite efforts to strengthen its position in Pakistan, China faces challenges due to ongoing security threats and instability in the region. The report emphasized that as long as Pakistan remains volatile, China’s interests and investments in the country are at risk.
