Comparing the Position of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the “Belt and Road Initiative”

Abstract

Background and Objective: Afghanistan and Pakistan, as two countries that have consistently had challenging relations, have always attracted the attention of global actors. In the past, Western countries—especially the United States—sought to maintain a presence in these countries and aimed to make them dependent on the West within the framework of neoliberal policies. Today, China, through a policy of economic pragmatism, seeks to expand its influence using economic tools. In this context, the objective of this article is to compare the positions of Afghanistan and Pakistan within the Belt and Road Initiative.

Method: This research adopts a qualitative approach and utilizes interpretive content analysis. The sampling method is purposive, and both data collection and analysis have been conducted qualitatively.

Findings: Afghanistan and Pakistan, as regional partners of China, have drawn serious attention from Beijing. The geographical location of both countries is the main variable that places them at the center of China’s foreign policy. Within its economy-oriented foreign policy, China seeks to create economic interdependence by engaging these two countries, aiming to use it as an alternative model to Western globalization. One of the most significant differences between the positions of these two countries is the greater importance of Pakistan, which, in addition to economic objectives, also serves a political purpose (reducing India’s influence).

Conclusion: Both Pakistan and Afghanistan hold important positions in this initiative. Pakistan has managed to align itself with China’s economy-oriented foreign policy, whereas Afghanistan, despite China’s efforts, remains distant from achieving economic interdependence.