Geo-economics and geopolitics of power balance: Insights from the China-Iran-Pakistan alliance

China's ability to secure its energy needs will play a vital role in consolidating its geo-economic and geopolitical rise. In the background of a challenging economic, environmental and demographic landscape, this chapter explores how China's economic interests are defining its role at the international level and in the Asian region. In particular, it devotes some special attention to the understanding of the connection to two specific countries, Pakistan and Iran, and their alliance with China. The China-Iran-Pakistan Alliance plays a significant role in Beijing's ambition to secure its natural resource needs. Both of the Middle Eastern countries have been identified as strategic locations in China's ambition to revive its ancient Silk Road. The chapter concludes by offering some final remarks and several critical insights on power balance dynamics.