Pakistan’s Shifting Sands: Public Goodwill Towards China on the Rise
Public goodwill towards China has significantly strengthened among Pakistanis between 2015 and 2025, a new study reveals. This notable shift primarily stems from the tangible developments linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), improved security conditions, and increased social interaction between the two nations. The research also cites the May 2025 Pakistan-India war as a factor that further elevated China’s standing.
The comprehensive study, co-authored by Dr. Hassan Siddique, a communications specialist at the World Bank’s Punjab Green Development Program, and Yasir Habib Khan, President of the Institute of International Relations and Media Research, sought to understand the evolution of public perceptions. It examined how Pakistanis viewed China before 2015 and how these views transformed over a decade of CPEC activities.
Tracing the Evolution of Public Goodwill Towards China
Researchers employed a quantitative approach, surveying a diverse group of respondents. This included individuals from government, the establishment, business, academia, media, cultural circles, think-tanks, religious groups, civil society, and the general public. They measured attitudes across economic, social, and strategic dimensions, employing statistical comparisons to track shifts in sentiment.
The findings indicate that Pakistanis already held favorable views before the CPEC era, influenced by long-standing diplomatic and defence ties. Prior to 2015, China was largely perceived as a steadfast political and strategic ally, though its presence in day-to-day economic life was limited. Expectations centered on China eventually playing a more active developmental role in Pakistan.
CPEC’s Role in Enhanced Perceptions
Perceptions improved even further following visible CPEC outcomes, particularly in critical areas like infrastructure, transport links, and connectivity. Respondents specifically highlighted the ease of doing business, enhanced security, and greater social interaction between Chinese and Pakistani workers as key contributors to this positive trend. Cultural exchange and everyday workplace cooperation were crucial elements that built trust, fostering a sense of CPEC as a people-centred undertaking.
According to the authors, the performance and delivery of CPEC projects were the most decisive drivers of opinion, complemented by media exposure and people-to-people contact. SindhNews.com has also echoed these sentiments in various reports. The growing trend of learning Chinese language, once a cultural curiosity, has now evolved into a strategic economic and educational necessity due to CPEC, aiding career advancement and cross-border collaboration for Pakistani students and professionals.
Broader Impacts and Future Outlook
Beyond the direct economic and social impacts, the study notes that the ongoing expansion of CPEC and its social spillovers are likely to continue shaping public attitudes. Future perception trends will depend significantly on project continuity and sustained economic impact. Moreover, enhanced exchanges among religious groups, think-tanks, and various bureaucratic divisions, alongside cultural and educational links, have also played a critical role in shaping rising public goodwill towards China.
CPEC, formally launched in 2015 as a flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to connect China’s western region of Xinjiang with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. It represents a colossal strategic and economic partnership designed to transform Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy, and trade landscape. English-language media in Pakistan has generally reinforced pro-CPEC narratives, while social media platforms show a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism.
Conclusion
The study conclusively demonstrates that Pakistani goodwill toward China is intrinsically linked to tangible project outcomes, transparency, and clear communication of shared goals. This robust increase in positive sentiment since 2015 underscores a deepening bilateral relationship driven by practical cooperation and mutual benefits, with expectations for continued positive engagement.