China CPEC Expansion Policy to Afghanistan

China CPEC Expansion Policy to Afghanistan

Why in News? 

Recently, China hosted an informal trilateral dialogue with Pakistan and Afghanistan. During this meeting, all three countries agreed to extend China’s CPEC project to Afghanistan. 

What is China CPEC Expansion Policy to Afghanistan?

• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a multi-dimensional project launched in 2015 and is a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• The main purpose of this corridor is to connect China’s Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar port.
• The project includes a network of nearly 3,000 kilometers consisting of roads, railways, power plants, special economic zones, and fiber optic cables.
• CPEC lies at the strategic junction where the overland Silk Road Economic Belt merges with the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century, making it a vital link in China’s global connectivity vision.
• China has invested about 62 billion dollars in this project, with around 34 billion dollars allocated to energy projects and the rest to road and rail networks.
• It shortens the route for energy imports to Pakistan and China from Central Asia and Gulf countries.
• The goal is not only to increase commercial connectivity but also to promote regional cooperation and economic stability.
• Through this corridor, China aims to economically empower its Muslim-majority Xinjiang region and control terrorism and instability.

Why does China want to extend CPEC to Afghanistan?

• Strategy to connect Central and South Asia: China wants to extend CPEC to Afghanistan to create a land-based economic corridor. This will enable direct contact between Central and South Asia. China aims to emerge as a key regional trade power and control Asian trade routes.
• Increasing influence by economic stability in Afghanistan: China understands that Afghanistan’s instability threatens its western security. By linking Afghanistan with economic activities and investments through CPEC, China wants to create stability and development there.
• Plan to secure its western frontier: China is concerned about the Muslim Uyghur community in Xinjiang. By extending CPEC into Afghanistan, China aims to establish economic stability as a counterforce to extremism and terrorism, promoting regional security through development-led engagement.
• Geopolitical influence: Extending CPEC to Afghanistan gives China an opportunity to present itself as a “development supporter” and “stability provider.” This strengthens its image as a reliable partner on international platforms.
• Easy access to energy and resources: Afghanistan is rich in minerals and energy reserves that remain largely untapped. Extending CPEC will give China direct and cheaper access to these resources. This will help China become self-reliant for its industrial needs.
• Strengthening the Belt and Road Initiative: By taking CPEC to Afghanistan, China aims to expand and enhance its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This extension is an important step to establish BRI as a powerful network across Asia.

India’s Concerns Regarding CPEC

• Threat to territorial sovereignty: India considers CPEC a violation of its sovereignty because the project passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India sees as an integral part of its territory. The corridor is viewed as a challenge to India’s territorial integrity.
• Geopolitical threat: The Gwadar port, developed by China under CPEC, is part of the “String of Pearls” strategy. This port poses a threat to India’s maritime security and trade routes in the Arabian Sea. It challenges India’s naval dominance.
  • The strengthening trilateral partnership between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan may create political and security risks for India in South Asia.
• Increase in regional rivalry: India has tried to improve its ties with the Taliban since 2021, especially in areas of development and humanitarian aid. However, the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan axis may weaken India’s diplomatic influence in Kabul and limit its access to Central Asia.
• Serious security concerns: In the past, Afghanistan has sheltered anti-India terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. A stronger partnership among China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan may pose a strategic threat to India’s interests.

India’s Steps to Counter the Challenge of CPEC

• Development of Chabahar Port: India signed an important agreement with Iran for the operation of Chabahar Port. This port provides India a crucial gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia. Without passing through Pakistan, this route helps India expand its strategic and economic reach.
• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Through the INSTC project, India has established a broad transport network that connects it with Central Asia and Eurasia. This route avoids Pakistani territory and benefits India in both security and trade sectors.
• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): India has launched the IMEC initiative aimed at building a strong economic and connectivity network between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This project strengthens regional supply chains and promotes regional integration.
• Diplomatic strengthening with South Asian countries: India has made various diplomatic efforts to strengthen its position in South Asia. Prime Minister Modi’s active participation in the SAARC Summit in Nepal, and increasing friendly visits to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have enhanced India’s strategic presence.
• “Cotton Route” and “Project Mausam”: India has promoted initiatives like the “Cotton Route” and “Project Mausam” to revive its ancient maritime routes and cultural ties. These projects help promote regional prosperity and development, and strengthen India’s cultural and economic connectivity.

The Way Ahead 

• India is going through a phase where regional and global changes are affecting its policies and relationships. Amid new political equations and economic shifts, India needs to maintain balance in its foreign policy to protect its national interests.
• India’s relations with the Taliban have improved, but the trilateral regional alliance has also presented new challenges. India must build new diplomatic and economic partnerships to expand its sphere of influence. It should take steps to enhance cooperation with Central Asia and South Asia.
• India needs to further strengthen the Chabahar Port and its related connectivity projects, so that regional trade and contact can be improved. This development should be pursued with both economic and strategic perspectives.

By actively participating in multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), India can protect its interests. Enhanced cooperation on these platforms will allow India to strengthen its strategic position and explore new economic opportunities.