The Prospect of a Chinese Military Base in Gwadar: Pakistan’s Sovereign Dilemma
The potential establishment of a Chinese military base in Gwadar, with Pakistan’s reported consent, underscores the deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Beijing. This development has significant implications for the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. The proposed base, situated in the strategic port city of Gwadar, serves as a critical link in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While it offers China an expanded strategic presence in the IOR, it comes at the cost of restricting the freedom of movement and access to maritime resources for locals, particularly fishermen in the region. Over the years, Pakistan has been a key recipient of Chinese investments, with CPEC at the forefront. However, the results have fallen short of expectations, leaving Pakistan burdened with debt. As of 2022, Pakistan’s Chinese debt stood at a staggering USD 26.6 billion, the highes...