China’s Strategic Play: Using Pakistan as a Proxy
Featured on Lea News — read the full analysis on Lea Watch here.
In the evolving chessboard of South Asian geopolitics, China’s relationship with Pakistan transcends friendly diplomacy—it’s a calculated alliance rooted in strategic proxy dynamics. As detailed by Lea Watch, China leverages Pakistan’s geopolitical positioning to counterbalance India’s growing influence, subtly reshaping regional power equations.
A primary pillar of this partnership is the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—a flagship project under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Stretching from Xinjiang to Gwadar, CPEC serves both economic and strategic ends. It grants China critical access to the Arabian Sea, helps mitigate the “Malacca dilemma,” and reinforces its Indian Ocean presence Modern DiplomacyWikipedia.
Beyond infrastructure, the relationship is deeply militarized. Pakistan absorbs the lion’s share of Chinese arms deliveries—by one account, over 60% of Chinese weapons exports go to Islamabad The HinduWikipedia. This dynamic equips Pakistan with advanced military capabilities while enabling China to exert influence without overtly engaging in conflict.
Diplomatically, China has repeatedly shielded Pakistan on the global stage. Notably, it used its UN Security Council veto to block sanctions against terrorists based in Pakistan, including Masood Azhar—underscoring how Beijing leverages international platforms to support its strategic ally The HinduThe Citizen.
This confluence of economic leverage, diplomatic protection, and military backing positions Pakistan as a proxy state—a playbook that allows China to pursue regional objectives indirectly and effectively.
To dive deeper into this alliance and its unfolding consequences, explore the full breakdown on Lea Watch via Lea News.