CPEC is one of the significant components of the grand project BRI (Belt Road Initiative) that brings Pakistan closer to the world economy. The first phase of CPEC was to $18 billion mainly in energy and road connectivity projects. At present the emphasis has shifted to green energy projects such as renewable energy i.e. solar power, wind power, and the development of underdeveloped regions, notably through new infrastructure connecting Gwadar to major urban centers. In Gwadar developmental measures with a new International Airport, and joined with the National Power Grid, the eastern expressway has been laid down.

The role played by Pakistan in serving Chinese Geostrategic strategy is paramount as Pakistan holds the key to the Indian Ocean, security against India which is a geostrategic rival of China, and support to China’s military replica in South Asia. The foundation of this cooperation is made on ‘CPEC’ a BRI investment that costs over multibillion dollars. CPEC is a mega-project that contemplates establishing a communication linkage of the Gawadar port of Pakistan in southwestern Balochistan province with China’s northwestern area Xinjiang through road, rail, and pipeline. Also, this corridor offers sea connectivity to the Arabian Sea enhances the trade routes to China, and simultaneously, reduces the time and hence the cost, of transport. Besides, this will afford China strategic leverage in overseeing the sea lines of communications (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean.

In geopolitical terms, Pakistan is an ally to China that helps counterbalance the ever-complicated relations between China and India, where the two countries share borders, and economic rivalry, and have many territorial disputes.........

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