The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a bilateral venture between Pakistan and China. This collaboration seeks to enhance connectivity across Pakistan through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines, alongside numerous energy, industrial, and infrastructure development projects.
The Recent Emergence of CPEC in News
The unveiling of a $2.7 billion nuclear reactor, part of the CPEC, brought renewed attention to the corridor as it aimed to alleviate Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis. The 1,100-megawatt power plant holds the potential to generate some of the nation’s most affordable electricity.
The Energy Crisis in Pakistan
Recent times have witnessed Pakistan grappling with nationwide power outages due to a breakdown in its national grid. The country has been battling these blackouts for years along with surging energy costs, low foreign-exchange reserves, and a strain on its government budget.
Understanding CPEC: BRI and Its Implications
Covering a span of 3,000 kilometers, CPEC connects Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China to the Gwadar Port in the western province of Balochistan in Pakistan. Established in 2013, the BRI’s primary objective is to connect Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe through a network of land and sea routes.
The Challenges Posed by CPEC to Pakistan and China
For Pakistan, concerns over regional imbalances, debt accumulation, negative environmental impacts, social implications, and sovereignty issues have arisen. Meanwhile, China faces security apprehensions and political opposition due to the lack of transparency and possible implications of this project on Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Implications of CPEC on India
From India’s perspective, the CPEC poses threats to its sovereignty as it passes through the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The corridor also threatens India’s claim over the Kashmir region. In addition, the success of CPEC could allow China to assert control over international trade via sea and establish dominance over the Indian Ocean.
The Way Forward: Potential Countermeasures for India
India needs to leverage its location strategically and participate in cooperative ventures with fellow aligned nations. These could include initiatives like the India-Japan economic cooperation agreement called the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor or the Blue Dot network championed by the USA.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions on CPEC
Previous UPSC exam questions have touched on the Belt and Road Initiative, the implications of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and China’s economic relationships influencing its military power status in Asia. Through these discussions, the geopolitical complexities surrounding CPEC and India’s responses are further illuminated.
