People-to-People Connectivity through Sports: A Study of China- Pakistan Relations under China’s Sports Policy Innovation

Authors

  • Li Xiaohui PhD, Scholar, Department of History and Pakistan, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mahboob Hussain Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

China-Pakistan relations, sports diplomacy, Belt and Road Initiative, people-to-people connectivity, sports policy innovation, educational cooperation

Abstract

This article examines the evolving role of sports as a key instrument of people-to-people connectivity within the broader framework of China’s sports policy innovation and the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership. It analyzes China’s shift from infrastructure-centered sports development to international cooperation, highlighting how sports have become an effective medium of soft power and cultural diplomacy. The study explores policies supporting bilateral sports collaboration, talent development mechanisms, Confucius Institutes’ role in promoting traditional martial arts, and case studies including Pakistan’s participation in the 2025 Asian Winter Games. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the article evaluates current exchange mechanisms, educational cooperation, and media dissemination, offering policy recommendations for institutionalizing sports collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. The findings demonstrate that sports exchanges not only strengthen mutual understanding but also provide sustainable frameworks for enhancing cultural identity and diplomatic engagement between China and Pakistan.

Published

2025-12-23