‘China-Pak economic corridor is Beijing’s ploy to meddle in J&K’
It is finally out in the open. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be Beijing’s road to Kashmir, Chinese media has said, proving true India’s fear of China meddling in the dispute.
Beijing invested in the CPEC, despite India’s concerns, with an eventual aim to interfere in Kashmir dispute under the guise of protecting its investments, state media said on Tuesday, putting on paper for the first time the country’s long-term strategy to play “mediator”.
“Given the massive investment that China has made in countries along the One Belt, One Road, China now has a vested interest in helping resolve regional conflicts, including the dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan,” an article in the tabloid Global Times said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) is an ambitious plan to build a new Silk Road linking Asia, Africa and Europe by pumping in billions of dollars in infrastructure projects such as railways, ports and power grids. The write-up indicates that China only appears not to “interfere” in the internal affairs of other countries but its investments, for example in the CPEC, give Beijing the perfect cover to launch its diplomatic game.
With its “iron brother” friendship with Pakistan, it is also fairly clear which way Beijing will swing when it decides to meddle in the Kashmir dispute.
The state-run tabloid also gave a clear indication why China isn’t exactly bothered about India’s sensitivities or concerns – to use one of Beijing’s favourite terms – over one of its “core” interests.
China was heavily invested in the One Belt, One Road and it was in Beijing’s interest to help resolve regional conflicts, it said.
But, mediation won’t be easy. “For instance, while China has the capability to resolve conflicts through mediation given its increased economic influence, the nation needs to be very prudent in dealing with other big powers, India included, in the region,” it said.