66 Impact of Geo-economics on Pak-China Strategic Relations Muhammad Faisal * Abstract Geo-economics is becoming an integral component of inter-state relations. States are employing economic instruments to project their power, thus, redefining their traditional relations with other states. Pakistan and China view each other as strategic partners. Over the decades, China has extended considerable economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan. As both neighbours expand their economic relationship through infrastructure development and trade corridors, including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), such cooperation will directly interact with their existing strategic partnership. Beijing and Islamabad have been pursuing their geo-strategic interests in a framework that is progressively being shaped by geo-economics. The Chinese role and interests, in shaping the regional security order, are increasing. Geo- economic instruments are being employed to achieve geo-strategic objectives in a region, which is already marked by conflict and instability. This study explores how expanding economic relationship between Beijing and Islamabad will influence the bilateral strategic engagement, and in turn, impact the dynamics of the regional security. Keywords: Geo-economics, China, Pakistan, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Regional Security. Introduction Nations are resorting to geo-economics as an effective instrument of statecraft to pursue their geo-strategic interests. Trade, investment and economic cooperation are becoming first choice tools for conducting foreign policy. China and Pakistan, traditionally strategic partners, are also expanding their relationship in the economic sphere. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is its one manifestation. At the same time, both * The author is Research Fellow at the China Pakistan Study Centre, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.