Why Does China Support Pakistan More Than India—Despite India’s Larger Economy?

China's close relationship with Pakistan, often referred to as an "all-weather friendship," raises questions—especially when India is Asia’s third-largest economy with far more potential for trade, investment, and growth. So why does China consistently favor Pakistan over India on diplomatic and strategic fronts?
Below, we explore the strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors that shape this dynamic, supported by key data and insights.

Strategic Depth and a Counterbalance to India

China views Pakistan as a strategic ally in South Asia, serving as a counterweight to India, especially in military and regional diplomacy. Since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, India and China have had a tense relationship, including recent border skirmishes in Ladakh.

• Military collaboration between China and Pakistan includes joint exercises, arms sales, and even cooperation in nuclear technology.

• According to SIPRI (2023), China supplied 74% of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2018–2022.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), passes through Pakistan-administered Kashmir—territory disputed by India.

Supporting Pakistan allows China to contain Indian influence and secure its interests in South Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Geopolitical Leverage and the "String of Pearls" Strategy

China's support for Pakistan is part of a broader geo-strategic strategy to gain maritime access to the Arabian Sea and secure energy routes from the Middle East.

• Gwadar Port, developed under CPEC, provides China with direct sea access bypassing the Strait of Malacca—a vulnerable choke point.
• It forms a key node in China’s “String of Pearls”, a network of ports and military bases stretching across the Indian Ocean.

In contrast, India is a maritime power that could potentially challenge Chinese ambitions in the Indo-Pacific—especially in collaboration with the Quad alliance (India, US, Japan, Australia).

Political Alignment and Non-Alignment

India’s independent foreign policy and growing closeness with Western powers (like the U.S. and Europe) put it at odds with Beijing’s global vision.

• India has banned over 300 Chinese apps, including TikTok, and restricted Chinese investments after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
• In contrast, Pakistan often aligns with China diplomatically, including supporting China’s positions on Taiwan, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.

China prefers an ally it can influence rather than a global competitor with competing interests.

Economic Reality: Size vs. Access

Yes, India has a far larger and more attractive economy:

• India’s GDP (2023): ~$3.7 trillion
• Pakistan’s GDP (2023): ~$375 billion

However, economic size doesn't equal strategic alignment. Despite being China’s largest trading partner in South Asia, India is also a rival in technology, manufacturing, and diplomacy. China sees India more as a competitor than a partner.

• India-China trade (2023): $136 billion
• China-Pakistan trade (2023): ~$26 billion

India has restricted Chinese investments in key sectors like telecom, infrastructure, and defense, while Pakistan has welcomed Chinese capital, offering strategic projects like CPEC on favorable terms.

Conclusion-It's About Strategy, Not Just Economics

China's preference for Pakistan over India is driven by long-term strategic goals, not short-term market size. While India offers greater economic potential, it also poses a geopolitical and ideological challenge to China. In contrast, Pakistan provides strategic access, military partnership, and diplomatic support with fewer strings attached.
China’s support for Pakistan is an investment in regional influence and strategic containment, even if it means sacrificing bigger economic opportunities in India.