What is China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)?

What is China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)?

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an initiative by China. It is a 3000 km long network of infrastructure in Pakistan. The objective of this land-and-sea corridor is to avoid the existing route from the Straits of Malacca between Malaysia and Indonesia to secure and reduce China’s energy imports from the Middle East. Because China’s energy-dependent economic routes could be hampered and it could be closed in the case of a war. A deepwater port in the Arabian Sea and a solid road and rail network from this port to Xinjiang Province in western China would be a quick method to expand trade between Europe and China. It also aims to upgrade transportation networks, increase infrastructure, and address Pakistan’s electricity shortage....

History of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

While the Karakoram Highway was being built, plans for a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor originated in the 1950s. Chinese interest in Gwadar harbor in Pakistan came back in 2002, and work was finished in 2006. However, the port was closed as a result of political unrest in Pakistan. The agreement to improve connectivity between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Pakistani President Zardari in 2013 resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a long-term strategy....

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Map

The Map of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is shown below:...

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Projects

China’s One Belt, One Road, and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road projects depend heavily on Pakistan’s military naval port, Gwadar. Only three of the projects, costing over $1 billion, have been completed by 2022. Solar panels have been supplied by China to families in Gwadar....

Impacts of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on India

The following are the impacts of CPEC on India:...

Challenges with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The following are some of the challenges with CPEC:...

Recent Developments on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Here are some recent developments and future prospects of CPEC:...

Way Forward – China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

India must do a thorough analysis of the potential advantages and drawbacks of the OBOR initiative before pushing for CPEC in the future. India and Japan’s economic collaboration has led to the creation of the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor. It might provide India with significant strategic advantages and put China’s OBOR agenda to the test. Prioritization should be given to Indian strategic projects such as the Chabahar Port and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM)....

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor UPSC

Candidates should be aware that the UPSC IAS Exam’s “CPEC” topic is important for the Prelims, Mains (GS-II), and Interview stages. Candidates looking for CPEC Notes can refer to this article for comprehensive notes and ease of understanding of the topic....

Summary – China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a massive development project aiming to connect China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines, covering a distance of 3,000 kilometers. The primary goal is to provide China with a secure and shorter route to obtain energy resources from the Middle East, bypassing the Straits of Malacca. This initiative involves significant infrastructure projects, including the development of Gwadar Port, road and railway networks, and various energy sector projects such as power plants. Despite its potential benefits, the CPEC faces challenges, including geopolitical concerns, territorial disputes, and questions about economic fairness. Recent developments include expansions beyond infrastructure projects, with a focus on industrial parks, technology, and agriculture, aiming to diversify and boost Pakistan’s economy....

FAQs on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

1. What is China-Pakistan Economic Corridor?...