China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) :
Uncongenial Security conditions, falling state institutions, corruption are some of the reasons why many countries do not invest in Pakistan.
Dominant role of military, providing shelter to internationally banned terrorist organizations & leaders, providing training ground for hard-core jihadists have created a bad image for Pakistan globally.
Pakistan needs foreign investment for its economic growth & development.
Pakistan being an all-weather friend to china agreed for large investment from china in the form of china Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC)
CPEC is a $ 46 billion dollar bilateral developmental project.
This economic corridor aims to connect kashgar in the northwestern Chinese province of Xinjiang with Pakistan‘s Gwadar port in Balochistan through a vast & complex networks of roads measuring 3000 km as well as other infrastructure projects.
CPEC intended to be completed by 2030
Benefits to China –
1. China will save millions of dollars every year by shortening its route for energy imports from the Middle East.
2. China gets greater access to the Indian Ocean.
Benefits to Pakistan –
1. Development of infrastructure such as highways, railways and pipelines
2. Gets support from China in addressing its energy crisis by establishing of various hydro, solar, thermal & wind driven power plants.
3. Pakistan can build its world image under the patronage of china.
Criticism: Lack of transparency regarding the terms & conditions and other financial details of CPEC projects
Pakistan Concerns/risks:
1. Presence of Chinese soldiers deployed to provide security to Chinese workers, officials and engineers.
2. Opposition from Balochistan, as the Gwadar port hold the key to success of the corridor
3. Possibility of china exploiting natural resources of Pakistan in the guise of developmental assistance.
India‘s Concerns:
a. Growing friendly relations between Pak & China.
b. As the corridor passes through Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, which India claims to be its integral and indispensable territory, illegally held by Pakistan, India has openly opposed CPEC.
Model question:
India considers China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) largely in geopolitical and security terms.Analyze.