China pledges $46 bn to Pakistan, aims at increasing hold in Indian Ocean region

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited his country's long-time ally Pakistan. Both the countries have been sharing a good relationship since decades. After postponement of two planned visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping finally arrived Pakistan this month.

Jinping calls Pakistan iron brother

This was Xi's first visit to the country which he described as "I Feel As If I Am Going to Visit the Home of My Own Brother".
His statement reflects China's emotional attachment with Pakistan.

In an article in Daily Times Xi wrote "My friend's lovely image dwells in the mirror of my heart; I tilt my head slightly, and here it comes into my sight."

Nishan-e-Pakistan conferred on Chinese Presidents

Xi announced $46 billion investment in Pakistan, the biggest overseas investment by China announced yet, has also raised concern in India. This Chinese investment (help) may also help Pakistan to become more powerful.

This whooping $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed during his visit to the Pakistan which aims to create direct links between China and the Arabian Sea, bring growth to the restive western Chinese region of Xinjiang, and boost the Pakistani economy and transform the country into a regional economic hub.

China announced only $20 billion investment in India during his visit to India. Significantly, the Chinese financial pledge was much less that what India got from Japan during Modi's visit. Japan had pledged USD 35 billion spread over five years.

Chinese president visit has come at the time when Pakistan and Russian relationship is also being flourished.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor may make China more influential in the Indian Ocean even though geographically speaking China is not an Indian Ocean power.

Moreover, once completed, the CPEC project would mean that the Chinese presence in entire Pakistan, including Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, becomes all pervasive and powerful.

This is a nightmarish scenario for the Indian strategic establishment. Needless to say, China's hectic economic and so-called "commercial" engagement with Pakistan, which is nothing but a strategic gamechanger in the region, would go a long way in making Pakistan a richer and stronger entity than ever before.

It will also be interesting to know what China will deliver India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit next month.

OneIndia News