A research report published by Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) has found that Pakistani public goodwill toward China has strengthened markedly between 2015 and 2025, with respondents crediting CPEC-linked development, improved security, and increased social interaction for the shift.

Authored by Dr Hassan Siddique, a communications specialist at the World Bank’s Punjab Green Development Programme and a senior executive official of the Institute of International Relations and Media Research, the study examined how public perceptions evolved before and after CPEC’s implementation till 2025, Gwadar Pro reported. The report investigated two core questions: how Pakistanis viewed China prior 2015 and how those views changed after a decade of corridor projects till 2025.

Using a quantitative approach, the researchers surveyed respondents from government, the establishment, business, academia, media, cultural circles, think tanks, religious groups, civil society, and the general public.

Closed-ended items measured attitudes across economic, social, and strategic dimensions, while statistical comparisons and visualisations tracked shifts in sentiment.

The research findings showed that Pakistanis entered the CPEC era with already favourable views, shaped by longstanding diplomatic cooperation and defence ties.

Before 2015, China was largely seen as a steadfast political and strategic ally, though with limited presence in day-to-day economic life. Expectations at the time centred on China eventually assuming a more active developmental role. The study reported that perceptions improved further after visible CPEC outcomes, particularly in infrastructure, transport links, and connectivity.

Respondents highlighted ease of doing business, enhanced security, and increased social interaction between Chinese and Pakistani workers as key contributors. Cultural exchange and routine workplace cooperation were cited as elements that elevated trust and made the corridor a people-centred undertaking.

According to the authors, performance and delivery were the most decisive opinion drivers, while media exposure and people-to-people contact served as secondary reinforcements. The report concluded that Pakistani goodwill toward China is closely tied to tangible outcomes, transparency, and clear communication of shared goals.

The authors noted that CPEC’s ongoing expansion and its social spillovers are likely to continue shaping public attitudes, with future perception trends depending on project continuity and economic impact.

Beyond geopolitics, enhanced exchange among religious groups, think tanks, and the bureaucracy (civil, military, and judicial), besides cultural and educational exchanges, has also played a critical role in shaping these perceptions.

The trend of learning the Chinese language has evolved from a cultural curiosity into a strategic economic and educational necessity within the context of CPEC.

The findings showed that Pakistani students and professionals increasingly view Chinese language proficiency as a tool for career advancement, academic mobility, and cross-border collaboration. It was also highlighted that English-language media in Pakistan has adopted a pro-CPEC stance, reinforcing government narratives and minimising critical perspectives, while social media has amplified both enthusiasm and scepticism.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China