The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
Subject: Internal Security
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched in 2015, represents a flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with investments totaling USD 68 billion in Pakistan's infrastructure and energy sectors.
Key Features of CPEC
- Infrastructure Development: Development of transportation networks including highways, railways, and ports like Gwadar Port connecting Western China to the Arabian Sea.
- Energy Projects: Massive investments in power generation through coal, solar, hydro, and wind projects, constituting 74% of total CPEC investments from 2005-2024.
- Economic Zones: Establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to boost industrial development and bilateral trade.
- Strategic Connectivity: Creation of a direct route from Xinjiang to Gwadar, reducing China's dependence on the Malacca Strait.
India's Opposition to CPEC
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Territorial Sovereignty:
- CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, territories claimed by India.
- Violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law.
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Strategic Concerns:
- Internationalization of the Kashmir dispute through third-party involvement.
- Enhanced Chinese military presence in the region through dual-use infrastructure.
- Strengthening of Pakistan's military capabilities through advanced Chinese weaponry.
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Maritime Security:
- Increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Development of Gwadar Port potentially serving dual civilian-military purposes.
- Challenges India's maritime interests and strategic partnerships in the region.
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Regional Dynamics:
- CPEC's expansion into Afghanistan creates new security challenges.
- Strengthens the China-Pakistan axis against Indian interests.
- Affects India's connectivity initiatives like International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
India's strategic response includes strengthening partnerships through initiatives like QUAD, developing Chabahar Port in Iran, and enhancing infrastructure in border regions through projects like Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
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