Latest news with #China-PakistanEconomicCorridor
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Corridor linking Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan dry ports with Pakistan seaports proposed
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has suggested developing a trade corridor, linking Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's dry ports with Pakistan's seaports via road and rail networks. During a meeting between Federal Minister Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, here on Thursday, various proposals to enhance mutual and regional cooperation were discussed. According to Pakistan's Maritime Minister this initiative, potentially unlocking over $20 billion in trade, would serve as a strategic artery for landlocked Central Asian economies, accelerating their access to the maritime domain. During the meeting both the delegations agreed to form a joint working group to deepening maritime cooperation, with a focus on unlocking the untapped potential of the blue economy, green shipping and creating a robust trans-regional trade architecture connecting Central Asia to the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, both sides emphasised the urgency of building sustainable maritime linkages to support shared economic growth, regional connectivity, and long-term prosperity through ocean-based industries. The meeting also discussed integrated logistics solutions bonded warehouses, multimodal transport systems, and smart port infrastructure as enablers of efficient cross-border trade. Synergy with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was recognised as vital for expanding Uzbekistan's reach to a $6 trillion regional market. Chaudhry stressed the importance of integrating Uzbekistan into maritime ecosystem through ports like Gwadar and Karachi offering cost-effective and efficient access to global markets. 'Uzbekistan can invest in improving road infrastructure and connectivity to Gwadar port underlining its commercial viability and alignment with global sustainability goals,' the minister suggested. The both sides explored avenues for joint ventures in key blue economy sectors, including marine fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, and coastal tourism, all poised to generate high returns in Gulf, African, and Southeast Asian markets. Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry extended an invitation to Uzbekistan to invest in Pakistan's port-based industries, shipbuilding, and renewable ocean energy initiatives. This engagement marks a significant step forward in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, laying the groundwork for a long-term maritime partnership rooted in blue economy collaboration, innovation, and regional integration. Responding to the minister's proposal, both sides agreed to convene fast-track consultative meetings involving technical experts. These sessions will identify Uzbekistan's specific maritime needs and determine Pakistan's potential offerings to support them. Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry further proposed a trilateral collaboration between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan to enhance overland connectivity to Gwadar Port positioning it as a key gateway for Central Asian states through integrated road and rail networks. Uzbekistan's Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev expressed strong interest in launching joint ventures in the seafood sector, particularly in fisheries production. He also suggested the allocation of an off-dock terminal dedicated to Uzbek trade operations in Pakistan. The ambassador informed the minister that a delegation of Uzbek business leaders would soon visit Karachi to inspect port infrastructure and operations especially those related to the Marine Fisheries Department as part of efforts to deepen commercial cooperation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister, Chinese delegation discuss projects under CPEC Phase-2
ISLAMABAD: A senior Chinese delegation, Thursday, discussed development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-2 with Planning Ministry for preparation of the upcoming 14th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting in next month (July). Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal hosted a senior Chinese delegation in Islamabad for a luncheon meeting aimed at boosting cooperation under the second phase of the CPEC. The Chinese delegation was led by Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and Director General of its Information and Communication Bureau. He was accompanied by senior officials including Hu Xiaodong, Fan Shilian, and Li Zishuo. Diplomats from the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, including Deputy Chief of Mission Shi Yuanqiang and Attaché Zhang Duo, were also in attendance. During the meeting, Minister Iqbal highlighted the significance of the upcoming JCC meeting and said that it would be a key milestone in CPEC's journey, with preparatory working group sessions already underway to ensure smooth proceedings. He emphasised the need to nurture critical thinking and innovation among Pakistan's youth, drawing parallels with China's success in aligning public confidence with national development goals. He appreciated China's continued support and underlined the importance of people-to-people and media exchanges in deepening bilateral relations. The discussions also featured innovative ideas to bridge cultural and information gaps between the two nations. These included proposals for exchange programmes between journalists and digital content creators, as well as sharing English-dubbed Chinese content on popular OTT platforms to help Pakistani youth better understand Chinese society and CPEC developments. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, who also attended the meeting, suggested initiating a digital exchange programme specifically for journalists and influencers with strong social media presence from both countries. The goal, he said, is to promote mutual understanding and dispel misconceptions about CPEC through authentic storytelling. Amenah Kamal, Member Development Communica-tion from the Planning Commission, supported the idea and proposed that dubbed content in English and Urdu should be made widely accessible through digital streaming platforms to engage young audiences more effectively. Other senior attendees included Javed Sikandar, Chief Governance at the Planning Commission, Dr Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), and Dr Muzamil Zia, CPEC's Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure Specialist. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation through dialogue, creativity, and inclusive public engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
China's strategic ascent and future of regional power play
The recent trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in Beijing represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement—it signals a strategic recalibration in the evolving architecture of regional connectivity and cooperation. While not a summit in the formal sense, the high-level dialogue underscores the increasing importance of regional mechanisms in fostering peace, economic integration, and mutual security. While the meeting's immediate focus was on regional development and stability, it also fits within a broader context where global powers are redefining their roles. China's expanding engagement in regional diplomacy—anchored in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—reflects its aspirations to strengthen development-led connectivity while promoting economic resilience across Asia and beyond. A centerpiece of China's regional outreach remains the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initially envisioned as a bilateral economic partnership. Today, it plays a broader role in enabling regional trade and economic interlinkages. For China, such overland corridors offer viable alternatives to maritime routes, especially in an evolving global environment where supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. Afghanistan's participation in this dialogue signals its continued relevance to the regional connectivity vision. China's constructive engagement with Kabul—focused on infrastructure development, mineral resources, and regional security—reflects a shared desire to integrate Afghanistan into broader development frameworks, thereby contributing to long-term peace and economic opportunity. The idea of expanding connectivity from China's Xinjiang region through Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to Central Asia is becoming more tangible. In light of shifting global trade patterns and regional realignments, land-based corridors provide a resilient alternative for economic cooperation among Eurasian nations. Beyond infrastructure, the meeting highlighted China's evolving diplomatic posture. By hosting such multilateral discussions, Beijing positions itself as a facilitator of peace and cooperation. This evolution from a traditionally reserved foreign policy to one of proactive engagement reflects China's growing role as a key regional and global stakeholder. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical developments continue to influence regional alignments. As international frameworks adjust to strategic competition among major powers, the importance of maintaining dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and supporting peaceful coexistence becomes increasingly vital. Both the United States through initiatives like the QUAD and China via the BRI are advancing development-focused approaches to regional stability. These efforts, while different in form, share an interest in peaceful progress. Pakistan and Afghanistan, located at the crossroads of major connectivity routes, stand to gain significantly from such frameworks. For Pakistan, deeper economic ties under CPEC represent both opportunity and regional relevance. For Afghanistan, participation in transnational infrastructure projects may support its long-term development and international reintegration. For China, a stable and cooperative neighborhood enhances the sustainability of its initiatives. The trilateral meeting in Beijing should be viewed not as a contest of influence, but as an opportunity for constructive collaboration. As regional stakeholders work together, prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and mutual benefit will be essential to ensuring that strategic ambitions translate into lasting peace and prosperity. In a world increasingly shaped by shared challenges and interconnected destinies, initiatives that bring nations together through dialogue and development are vital. The recent trilateral engagement may serve as an important step toward a cooperative and peaceful regional future—one built on trust, connectivity, and common purpose. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
13-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Operation Sindoor And After: India Must Prepare For A Two-Front War
Last Updated: India should prepare for war not because it is imminent, but because peace must always be secured from a position of strength After Operation Sindoor, it has become abundantly clear that the spectre of a two-front war, where Pakistan and China work in tandem against us, is a reality that cannot be ignored anymore. The collaboration may not be overt, through a joint declaration of war, but the alliance of hostile congruence is undeniable. The idea of a collusive China-Pakistan military front against India is not new. Even before the ink dried on the Simla Agreement of 1972, Pakistan had begun cosying up to China. Their relationship, described over the years as 'higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans", is not just a diplomatic aphorism. It is a strategic reality that has gained menacing proportions in the last two decades. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, snakes through territory India claims as its own—Gilgit-Baltistan. This project is not merely an infrastructure endeavour but a visible assertion of China's strategic intent in India's immediate periphery. Add to this, regular joint military exercises, arms sales, intelligence sharing, and even potential nuclear cooperation, and one begins to grasp the nature of the challenge that confronts us. There are those who argue that war is improbable, if not impossible, in the nuclear age. To them, the logic of mutual deterrence ensures peace. But history has shown that even nuclear-armed nations can engage in limited wars or protracted conflicts below the threshold of nuclear engagement. Kargil in 1999, Galwan in 2020, Uri in 2016, Balakot in 2019, and Operation Sindoor (2025) are reminders of this reality. Moreover, one cannot ignore that China is no longer the aloof continental power it once was. Under Xi Jinping, it has adopted an aggressive, almost imperial posture—whether in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, or along the Line of Actual Control with India. Its claims are expansive, its patience limited, and its contempt for the rules-based international order increasingly visible. On the other hand, Pakistan, emboldened by its nuclear arsenal and sustained by a military that acts with near impunity, has found in China not only a patron but also a strategic mentor. The two have aligned not only militarily but ideologically—in their contempt for India's rise and its civilisational model. The time has, therefore, come to actively prepare to deal with this scenario. National security cannot be a matter of episodic attention triggered by the next skirmish on the border or an election season. It requires sustained investment—intellectual, financial, and diplomatic. In other words, we need to put in place a national strategic and defence policy. What could be its possible elements? Expand alliances with like-minded nations. Strategic autonomy does not mean strategic solitude. The ability to balance our interests with Russia and America is particularly important. Both are important sources of defence supplies. Simultaneously, we must strengthen Quad partnerships, further improve ties with ASEAN, and maintain a functional dialogue with China. Equally, we need to accelerate our ongoing defence indigenisation while selectively sourcing cutting-edge technologies from allies. We must also Invest much more in cyber and space defence, where the wars of the future will be shaped before the first bullet is fired. Our efforts to upgrade our border defence infrastructure must be urgently expedited. Finally, we must ensure internal political stability and social harmony. A nation divided within, cannot be united without. While pursuing the above, there is no need for paranoia. We have certain undeniable strengths, and both Pakistan and China have their obvious weaknesses. Pakistan is a nation on the verge of implosion. It is politically unstable—a sham democracy, ostensibly ruled by an unpopular civilian government, but actually run by an army junta that is fast losing credibility. It is also financially bankrupt, running on international doles, most of which goes to pay off old debts. It is internally facing secessionist threats, including unrest in Balochistan and POK. Its most popular leader is languishing in jail, and his party is under shackles. China's economy is lagging, internal resentments over unemployment are growing, and it lacks the safety valve of a democracy. Moreover, under Xi Jinping, its imperialist posture is creating an increasingly cohesive international pushback. Allying with a failed and unstable state like Pakistan could prove to be a proposition with diminishing returns for the Chinese. As against the above, India is a democratic country with close to 1.5 billion people, the fastest growing economy in the globe, and a nuclear power with one of the finest armed forces in the world. It is also one of the world's largest emerging markets, and an entrepreneurial hub. Yet, India must prepare for a two-front war. Not because war is imminent, but because peace must always be secured from a position of strength. For in the end, as Kautilya wrote in the Arthashastra: 'He who is prepared, is the master of his own destiny.' The writer is a former diplomat, an author, and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 13, 2025, 17:16 IST News opinion Opinion | Operation Sindoor And After: India Must Prepare For A Two-Front War
Mint
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
China adds another name to its 10-day visa-free transit list of 55 countries; India remains excluded
China has now included Indonesia in its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit programme. Now, the total number of eligible countries is 55. However, India is still not on this list. According to China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), travellers from 55 countries, such as the UK, US, Japan, France, Australia and UAE. They can already use the 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit facilities at 31 ports in 23 cities. From June 12, 2025, eligible Indonesian travellers can enter China through any of 60 ports in 24 regions. They can stay for up to 10 days without a visa, as long as they are en route to a third country. According to the NIA, this move strengthens ties between China and ASEAN countries and supports regional cooperation. Many Indian travellers, however, continue to wait for similar ease of entry as India remains excluded from the current visa-free list. "With deepening exchanges between China, Indonesia, and other ASEAN members, China's visa-free policy is gradually evolving into a broader regional initiative," Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, told the Global Times. NIA has said that it will keep improving immigration rules to make it easier for foreigners to enter, study, work and live in the country. The transit visa policy is expanding, allowing more people to visit China. 'This also clearly reflects China's commitment to opening up and boosting international exchanges," Ge said. India and China continue to have a rocky relationship due to border issues and political rivalry. The main reason is the Line of Actual Control (LAC) dispute in the Himalayas. Geopolitically, China does not enjoy India's bond with countries like the US, Japan and Australia. In turn, India's major concern is China and Pakistan's 'all-weather friendship'. China continues to provide Pakistan with economic help and weapons. It also gives Pakistan advanced arms, like fighter jets and missiles, adding to India's security concerns. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India sees as a violation of its sovereignty.
