China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Why in news?

• Pakistan inaugurated a USD 2.7 billion nuclear reactor under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), providing some relief as the nation grapples with an energy crisis.

About China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

• CPEC is a joint project between Pakistan and China involving a network of highways, railways and oil and gas pipelines and fiber optic cables from China to Pakistani coast.
• The CPEC is part of China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative’.

Structure of CPEC:

• It aims to connect the ancient Chinese trading town Kashgar in Xinjiang with Pakistan’s deep-sea Gwadar port in Balochistan.
• It also aims to develop special economic zones along the route, including power projects.
• The project runs about 3000 Km and the total construction cost of the project will be more than 46 billion dollars.

Objectives:

• Economic development of the Xinjiang region for China.
• Shortcut for China to Persian Gulf to secure oil imports.
• Spur industrial and economic activity in Pakistan.

India’s Concern:

• CPEC passes through the PoK (Gilgit-Baltistan) (Pakistan occupied Kashmir).
• Thus, construction of CPEC challenges our territorial sovereignty and would further strengthen the Pakistan’s claim over the region.
• Gwadar port further expands China’s “String of Pearls” around India.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements on “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”

1. Gwadar port in Pakistan is part of the corridor.

2. It is part of “One Belt One road” initiative of China.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer