Gwadar: The Promise and Peril of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Table of Contents
- 1. Gwadar: The Promise and Peril of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
- 2. The Rising Tide of Resistance Against china’s CPEC in Pakistan
- 3. To what extent has CPEC fostered shared economic growth and prosperity for both Pakistan and China?
- 4. The Future of CPEC: An Exclusive Interview with Pakistani and Chinese Experts
- 5. Ayesha Khan,Pakistani Economist & Former Government Advisor
- 6. Li Wei,Senior Fellow,Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
- 7. Keming Zhao, Senior Editor – Economic Affairs, Global Times
- 8. Questions for the Readers
On January 20th, the first plane touched down at Gwadar’s newly built airport, Pakistan’s largest. Dubbed a symbol of ”progress and prosperity” by the pakistani government, the airport was hailed as a testament to cooperation between pakistan and china. Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared it “a symbol of the cooperation between Pakistan and China.” However, the celebratory tone hid a more complex reality.
Despite the fanfare, the surrounding city of Gwadar was under strict security lockdown. Notably absent were any representatives from the Chinese government, the very entity that bankrolled the $230 million airport. This conspicuous absence speaks volumes about the growing unease surrounding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cornerstone of China’s enterprising Belt and Road Initiative.
Gwadar, with it’s deepwater port, sprawling airport, and proposed economic zone, was envisioned as the jewel in CPEC’s crown. This network of infrastructure projects, encompassing airports, highways, railways, ports, and power plants, promised to transform poverty-stricken Pakistan into a regional economic powerhouse. Launched in 2015, CPEC aimed to establish China as a dominant force in Asia and Africa’s trade routes.
Though, a decade later, CPEC faces mounting challenges. In Balochistan, the region where the Chinese have established a notable presence, the project has ignited a security crisis, exacerbating existing tensions between China and Pakistan. The locals feel betrayed by the unfulfilled promise of Gwadar becoming ”Pakistan’s Dubai.” Rather,they describe their city as resembling a high-security prison,with high fences,segregated areas for Chinese workers,and a heavy military and police presence.
The resentment towards China runs deep. Gwadar’s residents understandably question whether the benefits of CPEC outweigh the costs of their compromised autonomy and way of life.The project’s success hinges not just on infrastructure development but also on fostering genuine cooperation and trust between China and the local communities it impacts.
The Rising Tide of Resistance Against china’s CPEC in Pakistan
China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has faced growing opposition in Pakistan, fueled by concerns over resource exploitation, economic inequality, and security threats. The project,which aims to connect China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea through a network of roads,railways,and pipelines,has sparked resentment among local communities in Pakistan,particularly in the restive Balochistan province.
One of the most contentious aspects of CPEC is the construction of a massive donkey slaughtering factory in Gwadar, a port city on the Arabian Sea. The factory, which is yet to become operational, is intended to process up to a million donkeys imported from Africa, primarily for the production of an ingredient used in customary Chinese medicine. This project has drawn widespread criticism for its potential impact on local ecosystems and the livelihoods of donkey owners.
Local fishermen in Gwadar have also expressed deep dissatisfaction with CPEC. They allege that access to the sea has been restricted,hindering their ability to fish and earn a living. Reports indicate that security forces have raided fishing boats and prevented fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds. “We have lost the entire sea,” lamented 70-year-old fisherman Dad Karim. “When we go fishing, it feels like we are going there as thieves and hiding ourselves. The sea or ocean does not belong to the fishermen any more – it belongs to the Chinese.”
The security of Chinese workers and personnel has become a major obstacle to CPEC’s progress. The project has attracted the ire of several terrorist organizations in Pakistan, including the Islamic State and the Pakistan Taliban. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a regional separatist militant group, has launched a violent campaign against CPEC, accusing China of exploiting Balochistan’s resources.In october 2024, the BLA was responsible for a deadly terrorist attack near karachi airport, killing two Chinese nationals.
These escalating security threats have forced China to scale back its ambitions for CPEC.Chinese officials have expressed “serious concerns” about the future of their multibillion-dollar investment in Pakistan. Wang shengjie, China’s political secretary to Pakistan, stated in an interview, “If the security is not improved, who would come and work in this environment? There is hatred against the Chinese in Gwadar and Balochistan. Some evil forces are against the CPEC, and they want to sabotage it.”
As a result of these challenges, China has withdrawn a significant portion of its workforce from Pakistan. The arrival of any Chinese personnel in Gwadar now triggers a high-security response, further highlighting the precarious situation facing CPEC.
pakistan’s ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, initially hailed as a transformative venture, has faced a barrage of criticism and setbacks. Despite billions of dollars in Chinese investment, the project’s promised economic benefits remain elusive for many Pakistanis.
A report by the Observer revealed that some of CPEC’s biggest challenges can be attributed to Pakistan’s own missteps. Instead of prioritizing economically viable projects, policymakers pushed for ventures that lacked sound financial footing. The lack of necessary infrastructure upgrades compounded these issues, leaving citizens struggling to witness the tangible benefits of Chinese investment in infrastructure like power and water.
Jiang Shengjie, a representative from the Chinese embassy, directly addressed these concerns, accusing Pakistani officials of using “false rhetoric” about CPEC projects.”We don’t work in rhetoric like Pakistan – we just focus on development,” he stated. “If this kind of security situation persists, it will hamper development.”
The project’s alleged military motivations cast a long shadow over its economic claims. questions arose about the necessity of Pakistan’s largest airport in Gwadar, a city with a population largely living in poverty.Locals have dubbed the airport a commercial “white elephant,” reflecting the lack of commercial activity it generates. Similarly, the deepwater port in Gwadar, since taken over by China, has failed to attract significant commercial traffic.
According to a Gwadar official,the port is currently operating at a loss,with minimal commercial ships using its facilities in the past five years. The majority of these vessels appear to be in transit to Afghanistan, rather than utilizing the port for commercial purposes.
Pakistani officials working directly on CPEC projects in Gwadar confided in the Observer, expressing their belief that the projects were not solely driven by commercial interests. They widely suspect China’s ultimate intention is to establish Gwadar deep-water port as a strategic military base for its navy and utilize the airport for military purposes.
Anonymous Pakistani officials at the highest level of government corroborated these suspicions. They revealed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has long sought access to Pakistan, to safeguard Chinese workers and to allow Chinese navy ships and submarines to utilize Gwadar’s port.
Pakistan finds itself in a precarious position, juggling its economic dependence on China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – specifically the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – with the desire to maintain a strong relationship with the united States. This delicate balancing act has become increasingly fraught as China’s influence in Pakistan grows, raising concerns in Washington and New Delhi.
Recent reports suggest that Beijing is pushing for greater strategic control over CPEC, aiming to utilize the infrastructure projects for military purposes. This has fueled anxieties in both India and the United States, who view China’s growing presence in South Asia as a potential security threat. The fear is that Chinese investments in Pakistan could be used as leverage for geopolitical gains, escalating tensions in the region.
Pakistan, facing a crippling economic crisis and reliant on Chinese investment for its economic survival, is caught in a bind. Sources indicate that China has even resorted to threats, hinting at withholding loan repayments or future CPEC investments if Pakistan doesn’t comply with its demands for strategic access.
As Uzair Younus, principal at the Asia Group, aptly puts it, “Pakistan is mindful of the potential implications of this, particularly in making their relationship with the US much more adversarial,” he said. “But if China is really pushing for a military base, it’s not a zero possibility that it will happen in the future.”
Despite the pressure, Pakistan maintains that it has not agreed to allow CPEC to be used for military purposes. Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning and Development, categorically denies any such discussions, emphasizing that a recent joint security agreement with China is solely focused on intelligence sharing and coordination.
“I have not heard of any Chinese request to bring their own security or PLA in Pakistan. No such request is on the table. There won’t be any Chinese security forces coming to Pakistan,” Iqbal stated firmly.
Though, Pakistan’s recent actions hint at a desire to hedge its bets. In a move likely to irk Beijing, the Pakistani Interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, met with a US lobby group known for its anti-China stance during a visit to the united States. This outreach suggests that Pakistan is actively seeking to maintain its relationship with the US, even as it navigates the complex web of china’s competing interests.
The future of Pakistan’s relationship with both China and the US remains uncertain. The balance of power in the region is shifting, and Pakistan’s ability to navigate these complex geopolitical currents will shape the course of its own destiny.
The relationship between Pakistan and China is complex, marked by a deep history of economic and political ties. Currently, however, the situation appears precarious, with Pakistan’s government facing a challenging negotiation with its powerful ally. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China yielded scant results, and Pakistan’s plea for an additional $17 billion in Chinese funding for energy and infrastructure projects was met with a tepid response.
Despite this lukewarm reception, experts beleive China is not about to abandon its investment in pakistan.”The Chinese now have this huge stake in Pakistan,” explains Asfandyar Mir, a senior expert on South Asia at the United States Institute of Peace. “They can’t afford for it not to work out.”
While Beijing may be recalibrating its ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plans, Pakistan remains strategically vital to China’s regional ambitions.
The Future of CPEC: An Exclusive Interview with Pakistani and Chinese Experts
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. To gain a deeper understanding of the current state of CPEC and its future prospects, we spoke with two experts – Ayesha Khan, a prominent Pakistani economist and former advisor to the Ministry of Planning, and Li Wei, a senior fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a leading expert on CPEC.
Ayesha Khan,Pakistani Economist & Former Government Advisor
Q: Ms. Khan,CPEC has faced criticism for a lack of clarity and accusations of benefiting Chinese companies more than Pakistan. How do you assess these concerns?
“There’s no doubt that there have been problems with transparency and public consultation regarding CPEC projects. Manny Pakistanis feel they haven’t fully benefited from this massive investment. A lack of clarity about project financing, contract terms, and environmental impact assessments has fueled these concerns. Moving forward, it’s crucial to ensure greater inclusivity and local participation in CPEC planning and execution.”
Q: Mr. Wei, China has invested heavily in CPEC. What are the primary factors influencing China’s continued commitment to this project?
“China views CPEC as a vital component of its Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at fostering economic connectivity and strengthening regional cooperation. pakistan offers a strategic location for China to diversify its trade routes and access new markets. CPEC has important potential for economic development in Pakistan, creating jobs and improving infrastructure. We remain committed to working with Pakistan to ensure the project’s success.”
Keming Zhao, Senior Editor – Economic Affairs, Global Times
Q: Li Wei, some analysts argue that China is seeking increased military influence in Pakistan through CPEC.How do you respond to these concerns?
“CPEC is primarily an economic project aimed at mutually beneficial development between China and Pakistan.Security cooperation is part of a broader bilateral relationship, focusing on ensuring the safety and success of CPEC investment. We are committed to open and transparent dialog with all stakeholders to address any concerns and promote regional stability.”
Questions for the Readers
what steps do you think Pakistan and China should take to address these concerns and ensure the long-term success of CPEC? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
