The CPEC Betrayal
How Pakistan’s Establishment Cheated China From The Chinese Perspective
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was once hailed as the flagship project of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, a multi-billion-dollar plan aimed at reshaping global trade routes. Announced in 2015, CPEC was expected to redefine Pakistan’s economic landscape, pulling the country out of its persistent economic crises and positioning it as a major player in regional trade.
Instead, the project has been marred by chronic delays, corruption, financial mismanagement, security threats, and political instability. Over the years, Pakistan’s military, civilian governments (led by the Sharif and Zardari dynasties), and bureaucratic elite have systematically squandered the opportunity that China provided. The result? A frustrated Beijing, mounting distrust, and a China that is actively looking beyond Pakistan for more reliable regional partners.
1. The Grand Promise of CPEC: What Was Supposed to Happen?
When China and Pakistan signed the CPEC agreement in 2015, it was projected as a $60 billion+ investment that would:
Develop Gwadar Port into a world-class maritime hub.
Upgrade Pakistan’s highway and railway networks to enhance trade.
Construct new power plants to tackle Pakistan’s chronic electricity shortages.
Build special economic zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investors.
Modernize Pakistan’s telecommunication and IT sectors to create a knowledge-based economy.
For China, CPEC was more than just an economic project. It was a strategic investment aimed at securing direct access to the Arabian Sea, reducing its reliance on the Malacca Strait for energy imports.
For Pakistan, it was a lifeline, a chance to transform its struggling economy and establish itself as China’s most trusted ally in the region.
2. The Reality: How Pakistan’s Ruling Elite Failed CPEC
Fast forward to 2025, and the reality is starkly different from the promises made a decade earlier. Out of the pledged $60 billion, only $25 billion has materialized. Critical projects remain unfinished or abandoned, and China’s frustration has turned into open diplomatic rebukes.
A. Corruption and Mismanagement: Where Did the Money Go?
One of the biggest betrayals in CPEC’s history has been the rampant corruption by Pakistani politicians, military officials, and bureaucrats who have diverted funds for personal gain.
Case Study 1: The Gwadar Port Debacle
What was promised? A deep-sea port that would become China’s gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
What happened? The port remains underdeveloped, lacking basic infrastructure like clean drinking water, proper roads, and electricity for locals.
Where did the money go? Billions allocated for port development have been misappropriated. Local reports suggest that land mafias, backed by politicians and military officials, have taken over prime real estate, selling it at inflated prices instead of investing in infrastructure.
Case Study 2: The Thar Coal Power Plant Scam
What was promised? A state-of-the-art coal plant to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuel.
What happened? Mismanagement and political interference caused years of delays, while the cost of the project ballooned due to kickbacks and inflated contracts.
Where did the money go? Reports indicate that contractors linked to political families were given lucrative deals, diverting funds into private accounts instead of project execution.
B. Security Failures: Why Can’t Pakistan Protect Chinese Nationals?
Pakistan’s inability to safeguard Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects is a major source of Beijing’s anger. Despite deploying over 30,000 security personnel, attacks have persisted, with devastating consequences.
Major Attacks on Chinese Nationals
July 2021: Nine Chinese engineers were killed in a bus attack near the Dasu Hydropower Project.
April 2022: A female Chinese teacher was killed in a suicide bombing at Karachi University.
March 2024: Five Chinese engineers killed in an attack on their convoy in northern Pakistan.
November 2024: Two more Chinese nationals shot dead near Karachi airport.
C. The Military’s Role: Exploiting CPEC for Its Own Gains
While civilian governments are often blamed for mismanaging CPEC, Pakistan’s military establishment is equally responsible for its failure.
The army has taken over large portions of CPEC-related projects, sidelining civilian control and awarding contracts to military-owned companies.
The military’s preoccupation with controlling domestic politics has led to policy inconsistency, discouraging Chinese investors.
The ISI’s alleged ties to extremist groups have led to increased attacks on Chinese workers, further damaging trust.
3. China’s Shifting Regional Priorities: The Beginning of the End?
For years, Pakistan enjoyed China’s unconditional support, believing that Beijing would never abandon it. However, China is now exploring other options in the region, signaling that its patience is running out.
A. Strengthening Ties with India
China-India trade crossed $100 billion in 2024, despite border tensions.
Beijing has started engaging with Indian tech and manufacturing industries, recognizing India as an emerging economic powerhouse.
China is exploring new trade routes that bypass Pakistan, reducing its dependency on CPEC.
B. China’s Growing Interest in Afghanistan
Chinese firms are investing in Afghanistan’s rare-earth minerals, eyeing its massive lithium reserves.
Beijing is negotiating security guarantees with the Taliban, offering infrastructure deals in exchange for stability.
If Afghanistan becomes a stable trade partner, China will have even less reason to rely on Pakistan.
C. Fractures in the "Iron Brother" Relationship
China’s frustration has gone beyond private discussions—its diplomats are now openly criticizing Pakistan.
Wang Shengjie, a senior Chinese official, blamed Pakistan for failing to control anti-China sentiment in Balochistan.
Chinese state media has published scathing critiques of Pakistan’s handling of CPEC, something unthinkable just a few years ago.
Conclusion: Has Pakistan Permanently Damaged Its Relationship with China?
Pakistan’s establishment, from the Sharif and Zardari governments to the military elite, has cheated China at every step.
It promised security but failed to protect Chinese citizens.
It pledged economic cooperation but squandered investments through corruption and incompetence.
It assured political stability but remained trapped in cycles of military interference and weak governance.
For years, Pakistan took China’s friendship for granted, believing that Beijing would overlook its failures. But as China expands its regional partnerships and publicly voices its frustrations, the writing on the wall is clear: Pakistan is no longer Beijing’s top priority.
If Pakistan’s ruling elite fails to reform, China may finally walk away, leaving Pakistan isolated and economically vulnerable.
Conclusion
China is done being played for a fool. For years, Pakistan’s corrupt politicians, greedy military, and inept bureaucrats have lied, stolen, and begged, squandering the golden opportunity CPEC provided. They promised progress but delivered chaos, looted funds meant for development, and failed to protect Chinese lives. Enough is enough. Beijing is no longer willing to bankroll Pakistan’s incompetence while being repaid with excuses and bloodshed. We are already looking elsewhere, India, Afghanistan, anywhere but this bottomless pit of corruption. Pakistan took China’s friendship for granted, but now the “Iron Brother” is running out of patience. If Pakistan won’t fix itself, it will be left behind, isolated, broken, and begging at the doors of others who see through its lies.