IN the relationship of Pakistan and China bilateral trust and mutual respect of each other’s sovereignty have been the defining factors. Generally, there have been convergences of national interests of both states in many areas. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a unique manifestation of trust, mutual respect and shared national interests with common developmental goals of both countries. CPEC aimed to drive practical cooperation of both countries for the development of port facility at Gwadar and other projects like; energy resources, infrastructure development and industrial cooperation. The ultimate objective of these projects is economic opportunities for the masses of both countries and other regions of Asian Continent.
Siegfried O. Wolf authored a book entitled, “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative: Concept, Context and Assessment”. The essence of this book is that, CPEC is a project of immense significance for Pakistan and China. The book provides an in-depth analysis of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); the gigantic Chinese project, which encompasses a set of corridors and Maritime Silk route spreading over to three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. The author highlighted the philosophy behind Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and more about the strategy of Economic Corridors (ECs).The primary objectives of having these economic corridors are to connect China with its neighbours and then other regions and countries beyond Asia.
Contextualizing from history, the ancient Silk Road started during the westward expansion of Chinese Han Dynasty from; 206 BCE to 220 CE. It forged trade networks passing through contemporary Central Asian Region, Afghanistan, India and todays Pakistan to further south, reaching over to European and African continents. The BRI is therefore, revival of the old Silk Road and Maritime Route by modern Chinese leadership. The enormous size of Chinese economy and heavy industrialization warrants new communication corridors and routes in this highly interconnected and globalized world. Besides, China needs energy resources and raw material in order to maintain its sustained growth and economic development. The huge industrial base of China lacked the needed energy resources on long-term bases.
China is currently importing over 50% of its energy resources from Middle East region and African countries. Chinese imports and energy resources from Middle East and Africa have to pass through Indian Ocean region (IOR), before entering into South China Sea. Since Indian Navy is dominating IOR, therefore in a future scenario there may be constrains for Chinese trade at the Strait of Malacca; a key point in the Indian Ocean. In 2003, Chinese Government highlighted its vulnerability at Malacca; ‘Chinese Malacca Dilemma’. There have been many studies under Chinese Government and at the level of its think-tanks and universities to find out alternative routes for Chinese trade and energy imports. Well deliberated findings of all such studies concluded that, in case there is a blockade of Malacca Strait, there is no worthwhile alternatives routeavailable to China for its trade and oil imports. CPECis the only secure and guaranteed alternative which can guarantee an uninterrupted flow of Chinese trade and energy resources. It is shortest route, less expensive and more secure for the sustenance of Chinese energy and trade needs. Chinese leadership had selected CPEC after years of deliberations while weighing its pros and cons.
From the Chinese perspective CPEC is the most significant part of BRI. The timely completion of CPEC will provide a boost for the completion of other projects and corridors of the BRI. The Chinese dream for global governance through its soft approach depends a lot on the implementation of BRI and completion of CPEC will be a booster for the BRI.In a rapidly evolving regional and global security situation, Pakistan holds the key for the continuance of Chinese economic development by providing a secure energy corridor. Sequel to the development and operationalization of Gwader Port, completion of CPEC as per scheduled is the real challenge, facing China and Pakistan. Despite its financial constraints, Pakistan has dedicated two security divisions under Pakistan Army for ensuring security of the CPEC. Pakistan and China are well aware of the rival forces which are operating against CPEC. There is a serious level of discomfort at some of the key capitals over CPEC. They desire to sabotage the project in the realm of power politics. Some of the regional states of Gulf also oppose the project under the fear of undermining their port facilities, upon completion of this gigantic project of 21st century. Pakistan theorizes that, CPEC is the initiator of a long-term regional integration between various regions of Asia. This is possible only once the regional states; energy deficient and energy efficient correctly re-asses their future priorities and cooperation. CPEC is the project for advancing and stimulating the regional and global trade and commerce. The 21st century world politics is driven by economy, trade and commerce. In last few years, the strategic competition and the trade war between Washington and Beijing has seriously impacted the CPEC. Negativeimpacts on CPEC will hamperthe process of regional integration and economic prosperity of broader Asian region. Whereas, CPEC effectively addresses the Chinese Malacca Dilemma, it provides a golden opportunity for the wider integration between various regions and states of Asian Continent. Indeed, timely completion of CPEC will open new vistas of economic prosperity and regional integration for South and Central Asia and areas up to West Asia. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
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