(Opinion) China’s Strategic Access to Gwadar Port: Pivotal Position in Belt and Road
2017-01-07 09:10:07 source:RSIS
January 6, 2017
"Synopsis
The vital role of ports to both security and development has enabled Pakistan and China to blur the distinction between economic and military purposes. The development of the Gwadar Port seeks to introduce economic progress while improving both their strategic environment in the Indian Ocean.
Commentary
AS THE gateway and the base of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Gwadar Port has renewed interest among scholars in Chinese strategic access to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. China is taking decisive steps to improve its overall geopolitical position by developing extensive transport networks of roads, railways, ports, and energy corridors in its neighbourhood besides securing natural resources.
Gwadar holds a pivotal position in the CPEC, which is a pilot project of China’s ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Initiative. Why is Gwadar so important for Pakistan and China. The Gwadar port aspires to transform Pakistan into a vibrant hub of commercial activity among the energy-rich Western and Central Asian States."
Read more:
NISCSS does not necessarily share in or endorse the opinions of off-site commentators.