Essays - Pak China Relatrioship in the context of Gwader

Pak China Relatrioship in the context of Gwader

PAK- CHINA Relationship.(Geo-Strategic and Economic Importance of Gwader Port)

The tested and trusted bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China has survived despite numerous changes: Sino Indian relations since 1989, the collapse of Soviet Union, post 9/11 US influence, recent US Indo Nuclear Deal, and Iran’s Nuclear rising in the region.

Background:

Pakistan recognized China in 1955 and 1961 voted for restoration of Communist China’s rights in the UN. Sino Indian war 1962 culminated in close friendship; in 1963 an agreement on border was signed. Pakistan, during peak days of cold war (1970), facilitated visit of Henry Kissinger (US Foreign Secretary) to China. This led to Nixon’s visit to China which eased the rising tension between them. Initially Pak-China’s strategic partnership was driven by the mutual need to counter the Soviet Union and India. China supported Pakistan in its wars against India with military and economic assistance. China assisted in developing Pakistan’s Nuclear Program, enhanced trade and investment.

Recent Developments:

In 2005, due to growing US influence, both countries signed a landmark treaty of Friendship and Cooperation stating, “Neither party will join any alliance which infringes upon the sovereignty, security ant territorial integrity.” President Mushraf’s visit in February, 2006 China signed an agreement, “to build cooperation in the peaceful application of Nuclear Power.” Notwithstanding international suspicion of Pakistan’s nuclear intentions. Pakistan will get JF-17 Thunder Aircraft followed by joint military exercises. Mushraf demanded that China should prefer Pakistan to India in promoting Pakistan’s observer status into full fledge membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The trade volume of US $ 26 billion is in favor of China whose export mounts to $ 1.8 billion compared to Pakistan’s $ 575 million.

Gwader- Trade Hub. Strategic and Economic Interests of China:

Arrival of US troops in Afghanistan- doorstep of China that it agreed to construct Gwader port in 2002 and funded $ 198 million, with 450 workers and technical assistance, while Pakistan shared $ 50 million for phase 1. So Beijing will get considerable influence in the Persian Gulf, entrance to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, while closely monitor US naval activity and US Indian maritime cooperation. The port will enable China to monitor its energy shipments (60% of its oil need) from the Persian Gulf, and energy imports from Central Asia. Having no blue water navy, China feels defenseless in the Persian Gulf. A report by Pentagon entitled ‘Energy Features in Asia’ states that Beijing has set up electronic eavesdropping posts at Gwader to monitor ship traffic. It is said to be the western most pearl in China’s “string of pearls” strategy that envisages building strategic relations with countries along sea lanes from Middle East to the South China Sea. The Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea heightens India’s feeling of encirclement by China. Iran fears that the development of the port will undermine the value of its own ports as outlets to Central Asia’s exports.

Pakistan’s Enhanced Role in the Region:

The port will help integrate Pakistan into the Chinese economy by import and export through overland links that stretch across the Korakorum Highway. President Mushraf’s statement, “when needed the Chinese Navy could be in Gwader to give befitting replies to every one.” Gwader would inhibit India’s ability to blockade Pakistan and permit China to supply Pakistan by land and sea during war time. The Gwader area is rich in fisheries and the 600 km coastal line will boost fish export. Gwader lying to close to the oil rich Gulf States- could be a potential source of off-shore gas and oil reserves.

Gwader as a trade Hub will enable the transfer of Central Asia’s vast energy to world markets, earning Pakistan transit charges and to investment. Discussions are underway by the Business community to make the port free trade zone and developing export processing zone with Chinese companies. Afghanistan will become beneficiaries for international trade to get trasit fee to Central Asia.

Finally, Pakistan would have to work the completion of necessary infrastructure to support these plans; it needs effective diplomacy, economic stability with improved Center-Province relationship. Balochistan continues to be crippled by violence with Baloch nationals protesting against the construction of the port supported by Indian elements. The murder of three Chinese engineers in Feb 2006, further underlines the necessity to resolve such matters. For China, Pakistan could emerge as an energy hub as well as a low end manufacturing center. Close relations with Pakistan will empower China with a certain amount of bargaining power in its dealing with the US.