Pakistan’s Big Bet On CPEC-II: Why India Is Alarmed And Islamabad Risks Paying A Heavy Price | World News
New Delhi: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon go to China. His visit will mark the launch of the second stage of the Chinese-Pakistan economic corridor. The project is known as CPEC-II. It was delayed for years. Pakistan now offers this as a great plan for business, industry and growth. In essence, it deepens China’s grip on the Pakistan economy.
Timing is sensitive. India and China are negotiating after the 2020 border conflict in Galwan. Beijing also increases his partnership with Islamabad. This disturbs the regional balance and adds pressure to the new Delhi.
CEC-II brings
CPEC started in 2015. The first stage focused on roads, highways, power plants and Gwadar port. CPEC-II is different. Industrial cooperation. Special economic regions will be established to attract Chinese factories. Agricultural companies from China will step into Pakistan’s farms.
Science and technology connections are on the table. Telecom, IT and surveillance systems will also be part of the plan.
Gwadar is at the center of this push. The harbor will be expanded and connected to the global maritime roads of China. This stage was planned in 2019. Political turmoil, financial problems and Covid-19 kept it back.
Why is Islamabad desperate
Pakistani economy is free to decline. The external reserves are shrinking. The country is leaning on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Structural defects are not accepted.
Islamabad calls CPEC-II a life line. Authorities believe that Sezs will bring business and modern industry. They hope that Chinese funds can revive the economy.
Critics do not participate. They say Pakistan has given the autonomy. Tax cuts, land and security are offered to Chinese companies. Local industry may not compete.
Why is India worried about
For India, CPEC-II is more than an economic project. It is part of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. India claims these regions. By expanding the activities there, China and Pakistan strengthen Pakistan’s control. This challenges India’s sovereignty.
Gwadar contributes to anxiety. The harbor is not just commercial. India is afraid that it can host Chinese maritime assets. The port expansion with CPEC-II makes this risk sharper.
Industrial centers add another layer. China’s projects often blur civil and military use. Sez’s can be doubled as logistics and surveillance sites.
The launch also comes at a sensitive time. India and China speak after years of border. Nevertheless, Beijing tightens the embrace of Islamabad. This indicates a double movement.
India takes shape deeper “pearls .. From Hambantota in Sri Lanka to Kyaukpyu in Myanmar, Chinese -backed ports are now stealing the sea area of India.
Risks for Pakistan
Gambling is high. The debt given to China is already a heavy weight from CPEC-ı. CPEC-II will add more. Chinese companies are expected to return snow. Pakistan’s export sector will win a little.
Local anger is strong. In Gwadar and Balochistan, residents feel excluded. They accuse leaders of serving China and distinguished interests. The communities say the benefits jump them. Protests and restlessness are frequent.
Past promises also look great. CEC-I was greeted as “game exchanger”. Instead, Pakistan resulted in increasing debt, energy scarcity and delayed projects. Many of them are now afraid that CPEC-II can repeat this cycle.
