Insurgency, Geopolitics, and the Security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Balochistan
Keywords:
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Gwadar Port, Balochistan, Security Policies, Economic Development, Sino-Pak RelationsAbstract
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor , a flagship project within China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to establish a strategic link between Western China and Pakistan's Gwadar Port in Balochistan. While CPEC holds considerable promise for regional economic advancement and the strengthening of Sino-Pakistani relations, its implementation has encountered substantial security obstacles, notably within Balochistan. This study investigates the efficacy of security measures implemented to protect CPEC projects, specifically focusing on Gwadar Port, and assesses the extent to which these policies have achieved their intended outcomes. Employing a qualitative methodology based on secondary data sources, the analysis examines the strategic significance of Gwadar Port, Pakistan's security endeavours, and persistent threats to the corridor. Findings indicate that despite the deployment of extensive security measures, internal insurgencies and geopolitical tensions continue to pose a challenge to CPEC's stability, emphasizing the need for adaptable and robust security strategies. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between infrastructure development and security considerations within politically sensitive regions.
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