China’s Economic Diplomacy in the Islamic World: A Case Study of Pakistan


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 July 2026

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors

1 Tehran University of Science and Research

2 Department of International Relations, Faculty of Law, Theology and Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
China, as one of the world's major economic powers, has adopted an ambitious strategy to attain the leading position in the global economy. In this regard, it seeks to develop and expand its relations with various regions of the world, among which the Islamic world, particularly Pakistan, occupies a prominent place. Accordingly, this article employs a descriptive-analytical approach to address the following question: What impact does China’s economic diplomacy toward the Islamic world have on Pakistan’s position?

The main hypothesis suggests that, given the extensive economic cooperation between the two countries, the implementation of joint economic projects and large-scale Chinese investments in Pakistan will transform Islamabad into Beijing’s economic and commercial partner in the Islamic world as well as in South and West Asia. The findings indicate that the expansion of China–Pakistan economic relations can strengthen China’s regional and international standing and image while also facilitating the enhancement of foreign investment attraction in Pakistan.

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