China–Pakistan economic corridor and maritime security
by Rabeea Bibi M.S Scholar Muslim Youth University, Islamabad
China's "Belt and Road Initiative" connects South East Asia, South Asia, and Africa in a way that draws partners working for long-term advantages by utilising its distinctive design of roads, railway lines, energy infrastructure, and maritime connections. Consequently, maritime security is concerned with maritime security challenges, which may involve political, economic, military, scientific, or technological components, with sea traffic being the most important factor for the global society. However, the idea of marine security has been reformulated in the new millennium to embrace novel dimensions. The effects of globalisation as a whole, the depletion of energy supplies, and the asymmetric nature of security issues have all contributed to the increased emphasis on interdependence.The topic of discussion has been Pakistan's strategic importance in the maritime realm.Especially in light of the ongoing "Port of Gwadar" development and how it can give rise to a new profitable industry both locally and globally. However, the initiative taken by China to increase regional connectivity through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes Port of Gwadar as part of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), is of greater significance.
The land-based "Silk Road Economic Belt" (SREB) and the maritime "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" (MSR) can be seen as the two primary parts of the BRI. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the part of the BRI project that is centred on land and links the marine pathways at Gwadar Port in southern Pakistan. It is located where the 21st Century MSR and SREB intersect, which is a strategically important position. As a result, it might be viewed as a crucial BRI project. Many international experts viewed the CPEC as a "game changer" for the region. A communication network between China and Pakistan has been created as part of this multi-billion dollar project, connecting the western province of Xinjiang with the northern parts of Pakistan through the Khunjerab Pass, which leads to southern Pakistan (Gwadar Port).The core component of CPEC is, however, the Gwadar Port and associated maritime infrastructure.
It is
undeniable that marine security and any state's economic growth are related.
Due to the fact that the majority of global trade use marine routes, the
importance of maritime trade has always been crucial throughout history. Given
the importance of offshore resources and coastal tourism, the commercial phase
of this development generates more money. This strategic justification,
however, presents Pakistan and China with a notable difficulty. Since that
time, the Pakistan Navy has started its strategic operations, including Special
Task Force-88. Eventually, the success of the CPEC project would depend on
maritime security. As it is predicted that the amount of marine trade through
the Gwadar Port would expand dramatically.To secure the security of Gwadar
Port, a multi-faceted strategy is required. This includes employing top
security personnel, conducting coastal drills, and bringing in law enforcement
organisations to boost the region's expanding marine awareness. The primary
difficulties, aside from those caused by India's growing concerns about the Indian
Ocean, are related to issues with human trafficking and piracy. As a result,
the Pakistan Navy is focusing on three important areas: the security of the
Gwadar Port, the security of sea lanes, and ship security, with China's support
and collaboration. To achieve all these goals and ensure the successful
operation of CPEC, Pakistan is expected to advance its independent maritime
security policy.
Increased goals for economic and trade growth would be generated by developments in the Gwadar Port. As a result, Pakistan has made a number of efforts to enhance maritime governance with China's assistance to secure projects under CPEC. A five-day drill involving military ships, planes, and special marine force teams was conducted by Pakistan in Karachi and the northern Arabian Sea with the participation of 37 nations. The fight against terrorism has resulted in various restrictions on Pakistan's access to international help. Therefore, this CPEC-Gwadar Port partnership would enhance Pakistan's sustainable image through investments and it might also be the focus of a worldwide discussion to draw attention from around the world.Ultimately, CPEC might be seen as a new economic development paradigm. It also faces a number of difficulties, such as poverty, the security danger posed by terrorism to Pakistan's Chinese labour force, ethnonationalism and rising extremism. Pakistan would be more able to deal with these difficulties owing to the Chinese vision for the growth of its friendly neighbour states, including Pakistan, through improvements in trade and industrial infrastructure. International crimes including human trafficking, piracy, maritime terrorism, and other cyber-related crimes that may disrupt international business deals and cause economic loss are then able to be dealt with to a sufficient amount. In order to address these issues, Pakistan has prioritised strengthening its marine security governance.
The importance of maritime security is crucial since all CPEC-related economic activities will be performed over a special route that will link China to the Arabian Sea, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean. Therefore, both Chinese officials and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) place a substantial emphasis on marine development and maritime security of Pakistan in order to ensure the security of global trade through the Gwadar Port. Along with problems with human trafficking and piracy, implementing CPEC legislation on both the national and international levels is a challenge.If fuel is the lifeline of an industry and an economy, then CPEC and its strategic access to the Middle East and the Indian Ocean may be seen as the lifeline of future Chinese economic growth.
Due to the
distinctive nature of current maritime difficulties, the issues raised under
the domain of maritime security cannot be handled by a single state in the
world. As a result, the Pakistan Navy has been working continuously with the
Chinese Navy and navies of other countries since a certain point, and it has
also engaged in a number of other operations to strengthen its control and
coordination over maritime crimes, such joining the multinational Task
Force-150 led by the United States in 2004. The Pakistani military has
undertaken a number of notable steps to ensure both onshore and afloat security
of the Gwadar Port. Along with the necessary infrastructure, it covers the
security of the Gwadar Port, the engineers, and other workers from China. A
separate unit called the "Force Protection Battalion" has also been
established by Pakistan.
Protection of Pakistan's marine zones has elevated to a top priority for China and Pakistan since the BRI was established. The flagship project of the BRI is CPEC, and both states are cooperating sincerely to ensure its successful completion. Under the terms of the UNCLOS of 1982, the PMSA was set up in 1987 to safeguard its maritime interests. The agency's primary responsibilities under the PMSA Act of 1994 are to: assist and coordinate in Search and Rescue of the Vessels; secure property and lives in distress at sea; implement national and international laws, including agreements and conventions in the maritime zones; provide necessary assistance to and cooperate with other departments and agencies at sea in order to carry out their duties and functions; and protect fishing vessels and crew from any potential threat.
A third 600-ton marine patrol ship has already been provided to Pakistan by China as part of a 2015 agreement. China Shipbuilding and Trading Company and Pakistan's Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) signed a contract for the construction of two 1,500-ton and four 600-ton patrol ships for the PMSA.These ships have been acquired to strengthen PMSA's ability to enforce international maritime law and conduct out operations against drug trafficking and illegal immigration while protecting Pakistan's marine resources in the EEZ. Long-term advantages of their shared strategic objectives are being reflected by the cooperation between the two states in the construction of these ships. Therefore, with China's assistance to PMSA, which would also support for increasing Chinese initiatives in the region, Pakistan's ability to preserve its marine security and commercial interests are greatly boosted.
In conclusion, today's globalised world, economic growth, peace, and stability can only be attained by international collaboration that goes beyond traditional discourse. It is possible that state integration is crucial for long-term sustainability and economic prosperity. One such attempt by China is the 21st Century Maritime Road, which connects nations in an effort to create an atmosphere for economic growth and world peace, based on the principles of a win-win situation for all. The CPEC will be essential in boosting trade activity both nationally and regionally.
Pakistan has the capacity and security framework to counter any challenges to the CPEC project and seaward commercial activity. Strict security measures could be used to regulate criminal activities connected to marine trade, such as piracy, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling, among others. In this regard, Pakistan has a sizable security and law enforcement infrastructure made up of the Rangers and Frontier Corps, as well as military and paramilitary units.Any maritime problem may be overcome by the Pakistani navy. The Third Marines Battalion (TMB) of the Pakistani Navy, which consists of more than 400 marines, guards Gwadar Port twenty-four hours a day. In order to strengthen security at Gwadar Port, the Pakistani navy recently planned to send two more marine battalions there.
Rabeea Bibi
M.S Scholar
Muslim Youth University, Islamabad
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