CPEC to help China meddle in Kashmir: Chinese media
Reports in the Chinese media suggested that Beijing's massive investment in the CPEC projects makes it necessary for it to mediate over the Kashmir conflict. The report suggested that Beijing's huge investments in other countries meant that it had to interfere in internal policies to protect these investments. It cited China's mediation between Myanmar and Bangladesh over Rohingyas as one such success.
What is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor?
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an under construction, multi-billion dollar development project which seeks to improve Sino-Pak connectivity and enhance regional trade. The project envisages the creation of energy pipelines, road-and-rail links between western China and the Pakistani port of Gwadar and transport and telecommunications infrastructure in Pakistan. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Nawaz Sharif announced the initiative on 22 May 2013 in Islamabad.
India's stance on the CPEC
The proposed project passes through disputed territory in J&K, through Gilgit Baltistan. China had always maintained that J&K was a bilateral problem; however in Dec'14, it announced the closure of the strategic Khunjerab Pass and in the process referred to Gilgit Baltistan as part of Pakistan. India has vehemently opposed the Kashgar-Gwadar CPEC route which entails energy and infrastructure projects within PoK.
Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Pakistan?
In March'17, Pakistan declared the disputed Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province. Pakistan's Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzadar said that Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz proposed giving Gilgit-Baltistan provincial status. He added a constitutional amendment to change the region's status would also be made.
China hikes CPEC investment to $62 billion
China has hiked its investments in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor to $62 billion from earlier estimates of up to $55 billion. The investments are to create additional industrial corridors and facilities inside Pakistan under CPEC. If private sector investments are taken into account, the total investments surpass $62 billion. The investment amount has steadily been rising since first announced ($46 billion) in 2015.
