This book analyses the relationship between Pakistan and China in the post 9/11 period against the backdrop of Pakistan's domestic politics and proposes that the major source of continuity in the ties between the two countries is represented by the military.

The evolution and continuity of Sino-Pakistani relations are explored through three timely case studies: the port of Gwadar, where Chinese investment well pre-dates the advent of the Belt and Road Initiative; the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the "flagship project" of China's global ambitions; and how the relationship between China and Pakistan has played out in Afghanistan. The book assesses the extent of military influence in Pakistan's relations with China throughout the last 20 years in several key decision-making areas, ranging from internal security to elite recruitment. By looking at the extent of military prerogatives in Pakistan's domestic politics, the book reveals how the major source of continuity in the ties between the two countries was represented by the role that the military has played overtime. While since the announcement of the BRI elected representative have gained some leverage in decision-making, the military has invariably been the main port of call even under a civilian dispensation.

A novel approach to the study of Sino-Pakistani relations, this book will be of interest to academics working on South Asian Politics, Chinese Politics and International Relations, Sino-Pakistani relations, civil-military ties, and China's role in Asia including the One Belt, One Road initiative.

About the Author

Filippo Boni is a Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at The Open University, UK.

Reviews

"The work is thoroughly researched, combines empirical data with theory, is well documented and is up-to-date. The field work and interviews help fill many gaps left in earlier studies. The author's novel approach to study the role of the Pakistani military in relations with China makes it a worthwhile read. The book is a valuable addition to growing scholarship on Sino-Pakistan relations and is recommended for both general readers and specialists on South Asian and Asian studies."

Ghulam Ali, Journal of Chinese Political Science

"Where Boni's work truly stands out above the rest is his use of an analytical framework within which he measures Pakistan's civil-military influence in policymaking with regard to China".

Eram Ashraf, Pakistan Horizon

"Boni familiarises his readers with factors which engendered and still maintain much consistency in Pakistan-China bilateral relations by providing a framework for understanding both their evolution and continuity"

Najam Abbas, Bloomsbury Pakistan

"The book adds to our understanding of the evolving dynamics of China-Pakistan relations. Rather than analysing relations between the two countries from an international relations perspective, Boni grounds his analysis in Pakistan's domestic politics and civil-military relations within the country. The book provides important insights regarding the impact of domestic politics within host countries on China's BRI at a broader level. It also brings to the fore China's increasing role within the domestic politics of countries that are part of the BRI."

Muhammad Tayyab Safdar, University of Virginia, USA, Commonwealth & Comparative Politics

Book Information
ISBN 9781032090122
Author Filippo Boni
Format Paperback
Page Count 188
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 226g