Military logistics and cost-conscious traders thrilled. with the prospect of breaking through the winding corridors. that traverse long major routes from East China to the South China Sea, Malacca. and the Indian Ocean. Indian Ocean Region Served by Pakistan (and the Greater Middle East) the confluence of land. and sea routes is unique and of great geopolitical importance if achieved. Pakistan’s domestic market and resources offer commercial prospects for China’s “Atlantic Development Gwadar Security” program. but these have yet to materialize due to serious concerns.

China’s repressive domestic campaigns

Internally Gwadar addresses some of Beijing’s most serious national Gwadar Security. and development goals to develop and stabilize the western region. Pakistan’s domestic markets. and resources offer some trade prospects. for China’s “Greater West Development” program (Western Adults. but these are still in short supply due to serious concerns. Trade ties between western China and Pakistan should soon develop. securing Pakistan and mitigating perceived threats to Xinjiang’s social stability. China’s repressive domestic campaigns in the western region benefit from Pakistan’s social. and economic health. According to a former Chinese ambassador to Pakistan. regional development with the help of Gwadar Security “provides a ‘cure. for the terrorist threat in the region.

National Security treats

Xi Jinping’s Comprehensive View.. of National Security treats these internal. and external security factors in an integrated manner. From this perspective, Pakistan is part of the same integrated social, economic. and security system as Xinjiang and is also an important Gwadar Security check on Indian power in the region. As such, China’s top leaders, including Xi Jinping himself, have bet large sums of money. and rust on Gwadar’s success. The multiple challenges of doing business in Pakistan can complicate achieving. these lofty goals (and the global pandemic is no help), but Beijing poised for commercial gains. and We are working on this project for reasons. that go beyond even the physical risks to our Chinese employees.

Obstacles to such activities.

Gwadar does not have to become a PLA base to serve Beijing’s objectives. PLAN’s vessels have already visited Karachi. Pakistan’s main port instead. where it handles most of its logistical needs. and conducts major bilateral military engagements. with Pakistani Navy (PN) partners. Gwadar’s limited commercial use, however, has resulted in her being widely used by her PN. which operates frigates and patrol ships purchased from China. as well as Chinese submarines.  if PLAN chooses to call to Gwadar, PN facilities, part. and technicians can be readily recruited to become part of the Chinese fleet. From the point of view of competence, there are no obstacles to such activities.

Basic requirements

The Gwadar Security Port facility has berth space and depth to support PLAN’s largest vessels. Additionally, outside the jetty. Gwadar has a large yard for assembling military equipment and materials. If in Gwadar he PLAN needed. the existing commercial port can meet its basic requirements without further development. peacetime operations. and some limited conflict scenarios (e.g. evacuation of non-combatants). will benefit immediately if the plan starts using Gwadar. Domestic Infrastructure Once her project matures. Gwadar could also become a major peacetime supply. or redeployment point for PLA equipment and personnel. Arranging parts, supplies and other supplies in Gwadar makes good use of port. and airfield facilities.

Action plan matures

However, Gwadar is not always useful as a base in wartime scenarios. For Gwadar to used in an armed conflict. Pakistan would have to commit to a militant situation. and thus demand retaliation. In particular, it calls for retaliation from India. which has a geographical advantage in the region. that will persist even if its action plan matures. China and Pakistan may claim to be “all-weather partners. but they did not intervene on Pakistan’s behalf when pressure came to back China. Is Pakistan willing to sacrifice security for China’s interests? In my ongoing research project in China as a Wilson Fellow. I am exploring the extent and limits of China’s influence in Pakistan.

Strategic advantage

China should not expect Pakistan to cooperate fully in conflict scenarios. with India or the United States. This massive economic footprint aimed at developing and securing Pakistan for China. Finally, Gwadar is not a very powerful ‘pearl’ in the supposed Chinese siege of India. Instead, it is best understood as an emerging strategic advantage. In this model, China makes the most of what it has: the vast amount of trade, investment, finance. and construction that the government and state-owned enterprises can provide in concert.

Developing and securing Pakistan

This massive economic footprint aimed at developing and securing Pakistan for China. In doing so, China is creating permissive conditions. that may support military use of its ports and surrounding infrastructure. Today, China’s Operation Gwadar addresses China’s most pressing concerns about internal stability. security in its perimeter, and access to maritime lifelines in the Indian Ocean.

Also read: Gwadar Development Authority