Pakistan’s Maritime Security And China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the nodal link in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a signature foreign policy project of President Xi Jinping. BRI aims at connecting China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. The successful execution of this project carries huge significance for Pakistan and in the words of Robert D. Kaplan, marks a beginning of new era for Pakistan. This paper explores the impacts of great power rivalry in Indian Ocean on the maritime security of Pakistan and the CPEC through broader framework of realism. This qualitative study explores the research questions using documentary analysis. Historically, India considers itself the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), but now China has launched the BRI for regional connectivity and to ensure its energy security. The US under its ‘Indo-Pacific Policy’ considers India as its key ally to contain China and maintains an active presence in the region. It has also gathered great regional powers under ‘Quad’ and launched B3W to counter BRI at the G7 forum. The US and India have officially opposed CPEC multiple times, hence a direct threat emanates for the CPEC whereby Pakistan Navy (PN) has a major role in dispelling these conventional threats. Furthermore, PN has a role in countering unconventional threats like maritime terrorism, separatism, drug and human trafficking, illegal fishing and protecting the marine resources of Pakistan. It has a great role towards developing ‘blue economy’ and contribute for the greater socio-economic development of Pakistan. Finally, the naval diplomacy is another potential area where PN has a role in the resolving conflicts and promoting regional development.