CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)
- CPEC refers to a clutch of major infrastructure works currently under way in Pakistan, intended to link Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province to Gwadar deep sea port close to Pakistan’s border with Iran
- Several other road, rail and power projects are associated with the corridor, and the project seeks to expand and upgrade infrastructure across the length and breadth of Pakistan, and to widen and deepen economic ties with its “all-weather friend”, China
- The CPEC is part of China’s larger regional transnational ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, whose two arms are the land-based New Silk Road and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, using which Beijing aims to create a Silk Road Economic Belt sprawled over a large patch of Asia and eastern Europe, and crisscrossed by a web of transport, energy supply and telecommunications lines
- Gwadar lies close to the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane. It could open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf across Pakistan to western China, that could also be used by the Chinese Navy
- The CPEC will give China land access to the Indian Ocean, cutting the nearly 13,000 km sea voyage from Tianjin to the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Malacca and around India, to a mere 2,000 km road journey from Kashgar to Gwadar
Key features and components of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) include:
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Infrastructure Development: CPEC involves the construction of various infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, pipelines, and energy facilities. These projects aim to improve transportation and connectivity within Pakistan and facilitate trade between China and Pakistan.
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Energy Projects: One of the prominent aspects of CPEC is the development of energy projects in Pakistan, such as coal-fired power plants, hydroelectric projects, and renewable energy initiatives. These projects address Pakistan's energy needs and aim to overcome the country's power shortages.
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Gwadar Port Development: Gwadar, a strategically located deep-sea port in southwestern Pakistan, is a vital component of CPEC. China has invested in the development of Gwadar port and its associated infrastructure to create an important trade gateway for the region, providing China with access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
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Economic Zones: CPEC includes the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan, where Chinese companies are encouraged to invest and set up industries. These SEZs are intended to promote industrialization, create jobs, and boost Pakistan's manufacturing sector.
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Regional Connectivity: CPEC aims to enhance regional connectivity by improving transportation links and promoting economic integration between China, Pakistan, and neighboring countries.
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Geostrategic Significance: CPEC holds significant geopolitical and strategic importance for both China and Pakistan. For China, it provides an alternative trade route to the energy-rich Middle East and Africa, bypassing the lengthy and vulnerable sea routes. For Pakistan, it is expected to boost economic growth, create job opportunities, and strengthen its ties with China.
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For Prelims: CPEC, One belt One road Initiative
For Mains: 1.Analyze the strategic and economic significance of China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative for the countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Discuss the potential opportunities and challenges it presents to India's regional interests and connectivity plans
2.The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered a significant development project in South Asia. Analyze its strategic implications for India and its neighboring countries. How can India effectively respond to the changing regional dynamics arising from CPEC?
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Previous Year Questions
1. Belt and Road Initiative is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC CSE 2016)
A. Africa Union
B. Brazil
C. European Union
D. China
Answer - D
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