Dialogium : Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Dialogium: Journal of Islamic Studies

Strategic Alignment and Institutional Resilience in China–Pakistan Bilateralism

Saoud Ahmed (Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur)
Muhammad Aquib (Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Feb 2026

Abstract

China–Pakistan bilateralism represents a strategically significant partnership within the shifting great power nexus, characterized by political trust, economic integration, and institutionalized cooperation. This study aims to examine how strategic agency and institutional coordination jointly sustain the durability of this bilateral relationship, addressing the gap in literature that often treats strategy and institutions separately. A qualitative comparative research design was employed, using document analysis of official agreements, policy frameworks, government reports, and academic studies conducted between January and June 2025. The analysis focused on political, economic, and security sectors to identify patterns of decision-making and coordination. Findings indicate that both states actively exercise strategic agency while relying on formal and informal institutions to translate strategic objectives into sustained outcomes, including policy continuity, sectoral cooperation, and strategic stability. Economic initiatives, especially infrastructure and connectivity projects, demonstrate higher institutional formalization compared to security cooperation, reflecting functional requirements rather than differences in commitment. The study concludes that the resilience of China–Pakistan bilateralism arises from the mutual reinforcement of strategic agency and institutional coordination, highlighting that effective bilateral partnerships require the integration of strategy, governance, and shared norms. These findings contribute to understanding bilateralism, great power dynamics, and institutional governance in international relations.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

dialogium

Publisher

Subject

Description

Dialogium is an international journal published twice a year by the Islamic Education Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Within the broad field of Islamic Studies, the journal specializes in Integrative Islamic Education Management. It ...