China and Pakistan tie steam ahead with proposed rail project – The Diplomat

China offered $58 billion railway project aimed at connecting the Pakistani port of Gwadar with Kashgar in western China, is intended to revolutionize trade and geopolitics in the region and beyond. The project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and both countries have welcomed its potential to strengthen their bilateral relationship and broader impact.

A Feasibility study commissioned by the Chinese government determined that despite the enormous cost of the project, the investment was “worth it” and “should be pursued because of its strategic importance”. Analysts from state-owned China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group Co Ltd, who participated in the project’s feasibility study, said the plan could open a new chapter in regional economic integration. “Government and Financial Institutions [in China] should provide strong support, enhance coordination and cooperation between relevant local departments, seek to inject funds for support, and provide strong political support and guarantees for the construction of this project,” China Analyst Team said.

China’s western regions will be connected to the Arabian Sea via a 3,000-kilometer Pakistan-China railway, bypassing the Strait of Malacca and getting rid of dependence on the South China Sea. Moreover, “connecting to other transport networks, such as those in Iran and Turkey, will also provide a more direct route to Europe for Chinese goods, while Pakistan is projected to receive a much-needed boost from improved infrastructure and easier trade with China.” . the report says.

It is too early to say when this project might start, but the fact that it is being discussed shows China’s confidence in Pakistan. Moreover, it clearly demonstrates the strong ties between the two countries and refutes any notion that China might not be interested in additional investment in Pakistan due to political and security concerns.

Relations between China and Pakistan should be taken to a new level with the proposed railway project, which will have a great impact on the development and stability of Balochistan. This is clearly an important milestone for both countries as it marks a new chapter in their diplomatic and economic ties.

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Politicians in Islamabad are excited about the prospect of a revolutionary change in relations with Beijing. According to a government official who asked not to be named, Pakistan has long believed that China’s economic recovery has great potential for additional benefits. “The news of the $58 billion railway project should please Pakistani policy makers,” the official said, adding that the plan is “exactly what Pakistan is looking for from its partnership with China to boost its economy as well as transform its strategic partnership with Beijing.” “. “

The massive project, which could open more direct trade routes between Pakistan and its neighbors, comes amid reports that Islamabad is seeking to deepen bilateral ties with China. Washington Post recently published a series of memos that shed light on the policy choices of various countries regarding the war in Ukraine. The released documents also allegedly contained a memo from the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, in which she argued that Islamabad “can no longer try to maintain a middle ground between China and the United States.” The memorandum, entitled “Pakistan’s hard choice,” warns Islamabad against trying to appease the West. According to the memo, Pakistan’s desire to maintain its relationship with the United States could eventually lead to it sacrificing its “true strategic” partnership with China.

In addition to highlighting the impact of the railway project, the study was raised some concerns Pakistan’s ability to make an effective contribution to its implementation. “Due to energy shortages, a poor investment environment and a budget deficit, Pakistan’s economic growth rate has come under pressure,” the study notes.

“In terms of investment and construction of railways, Pakistan cannot provide sufficient financial and material support and mainly relies on Chinese enterprises for investment and construction,” the report said. Moreover, the project also needs supporting infrastructure, such as ports and logistics facilities, “which may not be available in Pakistan,” the study notes.

A feasibility study conducted by the Chinese government shows that the project can certainly lead to increased economic, political and security cooperation, as well as increased access to resources and markets for both countries. To reap the full benefits of the project, Islamabad urgently needs to improve its troubled economy, political situation and deteriorating infrastructure.

It is Pakistan’s responsibility to do enough to arouse China’s interest and make the project a reality.