Military Cooperation between China and Pakistan is as significant as the paramount strategic importance of CPEC itself. The wave of terrorism has resurfaced once again in Pakistan and both major stakeholders are, unfortunately, paying the cost. Countering terrorism has regained prominence in Pakistan, particularly in response to mounting Chinese concerns about ongoing insecurity along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This initiative, encompassing various infrastructure projects and the personnel working under this project, are inaptly facing considerable hardships regarding its advancement. Given Pakistan’s economic difficulties and the critical nature of Chinese investments, Islamabad is actively implementing measures to combat potential terrorist threats to CPEC. However, mere Pakistan alone cannot handle this unfortunate situation, cooperating with China in this regard, is an absolute need to protect the interests of both states.

CPEC is a matter of strategic significance for both China and Pakistan. The fact that Pakistan is predestined to be a partner for China in the current situation is obvious because of four primary reasons : Pakistan has a direct border to Xinjiang province and as such can provide direct access to the Indian Ocean, which allows Chinese trade vessels to bypass the Strait of Malacca, Pakistan has a population of more than 200 million which could be a dumping market for surplus Chinese products,  India being the common rival of both and the West is currently almost not present in Pakistan. While CPEC is deemed of paramount importance to Pakistan as it offers economic growth and development, job creation, trade opportunities, poverty alleviation and ensuring Pakistan’s enhanced economic outlook, overall.

Pakistan and China have deepened their military cooperation in recent years, particularly in the context of safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) routes, employees, and related projects. This collaboration stems from the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared interests in promoting regional stability and economic development. One prominent example of military collaboration between Pakistan and China in protecting CPEC is the joint patrolling of the corridor’s routes. Both countries have established a framework for joint patrols involving their respective military forces to ensure the security of CPEC infrastructure and personnel. This joint patrolling not only deters potential threats but also enhances coordination and information sharing between the two militaries.

Additionally, Pakistan and China have engaged in joint military exercises aimed at enhancing their interoperability and capacity to respond to security challenges along the CPEC routes. These exercises involve the exchange of experiences, tactics, and strategies, strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries. Moreover, China has provided assistance to Pakistan in enhancing its security infrastructure along the CPEC routes. This includes the deployment of surveillance technology, such as drones and cameras as well as the construction of security checkpoints and installations. China’s support in this regard has bolstered Pakistan’s ability to monitor and respond to security threats effectively.

The menace of terrorism and separatism are also handled by both sides from security and military point of view to augment the existing military to military cooperation. One notable military collaborative project between Pakistan and China is the development of the Special Security Division (SSD) for CPEC. The SSD, comprising elements from Pakistan’s armed forces, paramilitary forces, and law enforcement agencies is specifically tasked with providing security to CPEC projects and personnel. China has provided training and technical assistance to the SSD, further strengthening its capabilities.

Although, it had raised a special security division comprising more than 15,000 paramilitary forces and other law enforcement agencies to protect the project in 2016, yet the Gwadar attack and the recent attack on Dasu Hydropower Project demonstrated that the current measures may not be ample as terrorist outfits like BLA targeted civilian employees and security related officials.

Despite the military-military cooperation between Pakistan and China is safeguarding CPEC, yet it holds different challenges and criticisms. One concern is the potential militarization of CPEC, which could exacerbate regional tensions and undermine the project’s stated goal of promoting economic development. The heavy involvement of the military in CPEC security could overshadow civilian governance and perpetuate a securitized approach to development. The close collaboration between the Pakistani military and Chinese companies involved in CPEC has raised questions about accountability and transparency in project implementation.

CPEC has been under constant threat and criticism from insurgent groups and separatist movements operating in Pakistan’s volatile regions, such as Balochistan. While joint patrolling and enhanced security measures may mitigate some security risks, they could also provoke armed resistance from marginalized communities who perceive CPEC as a tool of exploitation and marginalization. Therefore, Pakistan needs to deal with CPEC related security measures very carefully, for its timely materialization.

Pakistan must be mindful of the sensitivity of interplay of Pak-China military cooperation in protecting CPEC infrastructure and personnel as it also raises concerns about the securitization of development and potential backlash from marginalized groups. Both countries recognize the strategic significance of CPEC, which offers economic growth and development opportunities for Pakistan while addressing China’s strategic needs like access to the Indian Ocean and a market for surplus products. It is essential for both countries to balance security imperatives with respect for human rights and inclusive development principles to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the CPEC initiative.