China’s Role in Shaping Regional Cooperation and Integration in South Asia: The Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

China’s growing engagement in South Asia has significantly transformed the region’s political, economic, and strategic landscape. Central to this engagement is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a flagship global development strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation. Through large-scale investments in transportation networks, energy projects, ports, and digital infrastructure, China has positioned itself as a key driver of regional integration in South Asia. This study examines China’s role in shaping regional cooperation and integration in South Asia with a particular focus on the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative. It analyzes how BRI-related projects such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), port development, and cross-border infrastructure have influenced economic interdependence, regional connectivity, and diplomatic relations among South Asian states. The study also explores challenges associated with BRI, including debt sustainability concerns, geopolitical rivalries, and regional security issues. Using a qualitative research approach based on secondary sources, this research highlights both the opportunities and limitations of China’s BRI in promoting sustainable regional integration in South Asia. The findings suggest that while BRI has enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation, its long-term success depends on inclusive development, political stability, and balanced regional diplomacy.