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 on 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 hydra, 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. Elucidate.