China’s evolving connectivity strategy from BRI 2.0’s economic corridors to the Global Security Initiative’s security architecture reflects Beijing’s ambition to shape a stable, multi-polar world order while expanding influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe through integrated development and security frameworks.
Key Points
- China has shifted from infrastructure-heavy BRI to a more strategic, sustainable BRI 0.
- The Global Security Initiative complements BRI by offering China-led security
- Together, BRI 0 and GSI reflect China’s long-term vision for multi-polarity.
- Pakistan remains central through CPEC, energy security, and regional
- China’s connectivity model faces challenges debt debates, geopolitical rivalries, and trust
China’s Expanding Connectivity Vision
China’s role has expanded from that of purely an economic actor over the last decade to become an active shaper of global development norms and security frameworks. This transitional trend can be seen in the refinement of BRI as it matures from a crude formula into a concrete, stable form -BRI 2.0- and also in its parallel development through coordinate initiatives such as GDI and GSI. Together, these frameworks form a comprehensive connectivity strategy aimed at enhancing China’s influence in an increasingly multipolar international system.
From BRI to BRI 2.0: A Strategic Recalibration
Announced by Xi in 2013, the BRI aimed at reviving ancient Silk Road as well as Maritime Route through huge investments in maritime, road and rail transport sectors, oil and gas pipelines including Digital networks. Although at its launch the initiative grew quickly and had over 150 participant countries, the BRI has been criticized in connection with concerns of debt sustainability, transparency, and geopolitical control issues.
In response, China recalibrated its approach under BRI 2.0. The revised framework emphasizes sustainability over scale, prioritizing financially viable projects rather than mega-infrastructure. It also incorporates green development, renewable energy cooperation, the expansion of the Digital Silk Road, post-pandemic health and education connectivity, and greater local ownership in project design. BRI 2.0 reflects China’s recognition that long-term connectivity depends on economic credibility and adaptability to global governance concerns.
Pakistan and CPEC in China’s Connectivity Strategy
Pakistan occupies a central position in China’s connectivity vision through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), widely regarded as the flagship project of the BRI. CPEC links Gwadar Port with China’s Xinjiang region through road networks, energy corridors, and industrial cooperation.
Under BRI 2.0, Pakistan’s role has expanded beyond infrastructure to include energy diversification, Special Economic Zones for export-oriented growth, digital connectivity projects, agricultural modernization, and enhanced regional trade integration. Pakistan’s strategic location, coupled with long- standing political ties with China, makes it a key partner in Beijing’s broader regional and security calculations.
From Development to Security: The Role of the GSI
While BRI focuses primarily on economic development and connectivity, China has increasingly acknowledged that infrastructure projects cannot succeed in politically unstable environments. This realization led to the launch of the Global Security Initiative in 2022. The GSI outlines China’s vision for international security based on respect for sovereignty, opposition to bloc politics, dialogue-based conflict resolution, comprehensive security, and non-interference.
Rather than forming military alliances, the GSI promotes political dialogue and regional cooperation as mechanisms for stability. It is designed to complement China’s development initiatives by creating security conditions conducive to long-term economic engagement.
An Integrated Model: Development, Security, and Governance
Taken together, BRI 2.0 and the GSI form an integrated connectivity model. BRI focuses on building physical, digital, and economic networks, while the GSI seeks to ensure the political and security environment necessary for these networks to function effectively. Alongside the Global Development Initiative, this approach reflects China’s broader strategy of linking development, governance, and security into a unified framework.
For many countries in the Global South, this model offers an alternative to Western-led development and security arrangements, emphasizing sovereignty, economic interdependence, and regional ownership.
Implications and Challenges
For Pakistan, the integration of BRI 2.0 and the GSI presents opportunities for economic modernization, enhanced security cooperation, and greater strategic relevance in a multi-polar world. At the same time, challenges persist, including debt management concerns, domestic political instability, security risks in sensitive regions, and geopolitical pressure from rival powers.
China’s broader connectivity strategy also faces obstacles such as Western counter-initiatives, regional conflicts, and trust deficits among partner states. Nevertheless, Beijing’s shift from large-scale infrastructure toward diversified and sustainable development demonstrates an ability to adapt to evolving global realities.
Conclusion
China’s transition from the initial phase of the Belt and Road Initiative to the more refined BRI 2.0, combined with the emergence of the Global Security Initiative, reflects a significant evolution in its global engagement strategy. By integrating development and security, China seeks to shape a stable and multi-polar international order. For Pakistan, this strategy offers both opportunities and challenges, underscoring the importance of domestic stability, effective governance, and strategic alignment in navigating China’s expanding connectivity framework.
Author Bio:
Iqra Fatima is an MPhil student in International Relations at NUML, focusing on foreign policy, human rights, and strategic studies. Her research explores global connectivity initiatives, emerging security frameworks, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia.
Key References
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China’s Belt and Road Initiative at Ten Years, accessed December 2025, https://www.csis.org.
- Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference,” Xinhua News Agency, April 21, 2022.
- World Bank, China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Economic, Environmental and Social Implications
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2023).
- China Daily, “BRI 0: Mapping China’s Evolving Connectivity Strategy,” accessed December 2025, https://www.chinadaily.com.
- Government of Pakistan, China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Official Portal, accessed December 2025, https://cpec.gov.pk.
- International Crisis Group, The Global Security Initiative: China’s New Security Vision, Asia Report, accessed December 2025, https://www.crisisgroup.org.
- Nadège Rolland, “China’s Vision for a New World Order,” National Bureau of Asian Research,
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), South–South Cooperation and Global Development,