It is, though, beyond any shadow of doubt that China and Pakistan relations are historical and China has a great soft corner for Pakistan. China has not made crusades of Pakistani religious zealots in Kashgar, Xinjiang (Sinkiang) Uyghur autonomous region of China an issue to dim relations between the two countries. It is, however, absolute naivety to believe that China has embarked on the project of CPEC out of love with Pakistan. It must be understood very clearly that CPEC like OBOR is an integral part of economic sustainability model of China. CPEC will connect Xinjiang to Gwadar and then onwards to Africa, Iran and Middle East.
Xinjiang (Sinkiang) Uyghur autonomous region is the largest administrative division of China with more than double area that of Pakistan ie 1.6 million km. its significance can be appreciated by understanding its geographical importance. It borders Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, it is connected with Afghanistan through the Wakhan corridor, it borders three CAR countries, ie, Tajikistan, Kirgizstan and, Kazakhstan, it also borders with Russia and Mongolia on its western side.
Ürümqi is capital of Xinjiang, share of its population is 9%, but its share in GDP of the Xinjiang is 25%. Oil and petrochemicals constitute its 60% of GDP. Fruits and livestock are its major components of agriculture. Its GDP per capita in nominal US dollars is 6,428 in comparison to Beijing which stands at USD 17,064 ie 37.6% of Beijing. Its primary sector over last 20 years has shrunk whereas its secondary sector has increased over the same period. Its infrastructure development has seen sharp vertical growth since 2010.
But region has been restless for quite some time. Main reasons for such unrest emanate from its changed ethnic composition over last many decades and its relative economic unevenness and backwardness. Hence, President Xi wants to develop it at faster pace to bring it at par with east coast areas.
Besides, the focus of Chinese government on development of Xinjiang is due to some other reasons as well: 1) Economic model of China envisages simultaneous development of all regions and areas of China; 2) OBOR in the west passes through Xinjiang; 3) Chinese government wants to address issues of conflict and unrest through economic development of the region; and 4) Industrialisation of Xinjiang will serve the rest of the country. CPEC should be seen in that context.
With the implementation of CPEC project and construction of Gwadar deep sea port, China will be connected to Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean countries through shortest possible route. It goes without saying that China is largest investor in Africa and its investment is increasing day by day. China is so far largest trading partner of Africa and Export-Import Bank of China has pledged $1 trillion of investments over next one decade. During 2009 and 2014, China's development capital funding for African infrastructure amounted to $328 billion. Minerals and other natural resources of Africa are very important for growth and sustainability of China.
CPEC should always be seen in view of interest of China explained above. It simply means that CPEC is game changer for Pakistan as well as for China. It should also be understood that if Gwadar is key port for China to access Africa and Middle East; then which route will be more important and vital for China. Such policy makers who are blinded by myopic and parochial interests must understand that they are a source of frustration for the China when they ignore priorities of China in favour of their own narrow interests. We must have made all details relating to CPEC very clear, transparent and unambiguous for all within 3 months of the signing of agreement to avoid any confusion, political chaos, allegations and counter allegations.
Transparency helps kill the conundrum and doubts. What an immaturity and lack of statesmanship that we trade allegations against each other even dubbing each other agents of India without realising that India with all its fuss for public consumption will be one of beneficiaries of the CPEC. In view of the track record of China, progress of CPEC is dismally slow. Three years have passed by, and our western route is not completed which will be main motorway for China to reach Gwadar along with rail network on same or parallel route.
It is not only CPEC but if we played game by rules and played our cards well, then there could be many more projects. China could invest in High-Speed Rail connecting various parts of country including train route from Khunjerab to Gwadar and thus boosting our economic recovery and growth in minimum time. We are the immediate backyard of China. China would love to help us transform our labor into human resource and to develop technology parks and cities.
CPEC is also important for China to access Afghanistan which is sitting on well-known one trillion dollar minerals. It means that whole region will be beneficiary of infrastructure related to CPEC so let's not waste time on reckless wrangling. Let's move ahead with clear vision and will, and grab the future.
(Concluded)