China and the New
World Order
Dr Shabir Choudhry
“One Belt, One
Road” is a mega project; and rather ambitious plan of China to influence the
world politics through economic dominance. It is not simple and it may
encounter many obstacles. The plan aims to integrate China’s trading partners
in such a way that they all help China to advance its international agenda. The
plan involves building infrastructure — ports, roads, airports, power plants,
gas pipelines and railways in a way that complements Beijing’s own interests.
Chinese realised that
their economic growth has slowed down and they desperately needed projects
which can keep the Chinese economy performing well. So, they looked for
economic projects with multiple objectives:
1/ Search for new
markets; even if that means building their infrastructure and enabling them to
become future clients of the Chinese goods;
2 Sustain and promote
the Chinese economy; especially when demand from America and Europe slows down;
3/ On the back of
these ‘economic projects’ advance the Chinese agenda of dominating the world
politics;
4/ Under the cover of
various economic projects establish military and economic pockets in
strategically important areas – string of pearls; and find strategic allies to
protect and advance the Chinese plan for world dominance.
Beijing Conference on OBOR
It remains to be seen
if OBOR becomes a reality and produce the desired outcome; however, one can say
the Chinese leadership has a great vision; and they do not lack ambitions.
While embarking on these ambitious projects, China has to bear in mind that
these projects could prove disastrous; and white elephants for some countries,
because some countries which are part of the OBOR are prone to economic and
political instability and corruption.
China is rightly regarded as an economic and military
giant, with potential to call shots in the world politics. China is the second
largest economy with GDP of 11 trillion dollars. Its economic strength could be
measured by huge foreign exchange reserves – 3 trillion dollars, which is the
largest in the world. With this kind of economic strength, they can initiate
mega economic projects to help others and also boost Chinese economic,
political and military domination. Military and economic muscle is prerequisite
to any empire building.
Some people call OBOR a Capitalist expansion plan, even though China is a ‘Communist’
country. In name of economic projects, China is influencing politics, economics
and social structure of ‘client’ states like Pakistan. Some countries have
become under their influence by financial and economic help; and without
sending any army. Pakistan, on the other hand, heavily relies on Chinese help
in military equipment, economic, financial and strategic matters. They even
rely on China’s Veto in the UN Security Council and support in international
relations.
It is
believed that the Chinese investment in OBOR related projects is more than $500
billion. Even the reputable international financial institutions like Asia
Development Bank, IMF and the World Bank do not have this kind of amount at
their disposal to spend. This fact explains China’s strength and clout in the
world affairs. China’s ‘business diplomacy’; and ability to buy or neutralise
other countries or threats from opponents has proved to be effective over the
years. Because of the economic muscle, the Chinese President on the opening day
of the OBOR Conference proudly said that China was ‘investing $124 billion
on infrastructure projects in 60 countries’.
After
the Second World War, America dominated the world affairs with combination of
economic and military help; and at times, using its military muscle resulting
in stationing troops, occupations, military interventions, building military
alliances and overthrowing governments. China, on the other hand, avoid using
military muscle and prefers to use economic muscle to win friends and advance
its agenda of dominating world politics.
It is
interesting that many countries now look towards Beijing for help and support
rather than the Western dominated institutions like World Bank and IMF.
Question arises, will America and the West remain quiet and let their dominance
and influence fade away; and let China call the shots in the international
arena.
To the
Pakistani government and the military establishment, the CPEC is a national
security matter. They feel when the Chinese are in Pakistan with all
paraphernalia and military might, no country will dare to look towards Pakistan
with evil eye. In other words, the CPEC will not only provide economic boost
and build infrastructure for energy and transport, it will also act as an
insurance policy whereby China will have to protect its investment and its
much-needed the CPEC route and Gwadar.
No
matter what the Pakistani government and the military elite think of the CPEC,
people of Pakistan have a right to know what is going on; and why there is so
much secrecy associated with these projects. People need to know why should
they be paying billions of dollars in high interest rates for building roads
which China needs to transport their goods to Gwadar and beyond? Infrastructure
is important, if that is required to transport the domestic goods to the
markets. Shouldn’t Pakistan be investing in education and technical institutes
that people of Pakistan can alleviate poverty and meet the challenges of the 21st
century?
Also, it is not clear what is the strategy or contingency
plan, if a Chinese funded project or projects
fail. Won’t that have a serious negative impact on the CPEC and OBOR, as most
of the projects are interlinked and rely on each other. Furthermore, China’s
overseas investment record is not brilliant, especially in Sri Lanka, Mynamar,
Venezuela and Africa. One economic expert warned that OBOR may leave "huge white elephant that left an enormous amount of
wasted resources strewn along its path." 1
Tom Miller, author of "China's Asian Dream: Empire Building Along
the New Silk Road," said OBOR is part of Chinese plan to restore ‘its
historical status as Asia's dominant power. China's new 'empire' will be an
informal and largely economic one, posited on cash and held together by hard
infrastructure’. 2
Another expert, Christopher Balding, said the project is "more
like a diplomatic effort for China to win friends and influence people," rather
than a strictly economic program.
Nick Marro, an analyst with Economist Intelligence Unit
says: "China is looking to use OBOR as a way to ship its own domestic
overproduction offshore." The Chinese State media claims that ‘some
$1 trillion has already been invested in OBOR, with another several trillion
due to be invested over the next decade. There are two main benefits for
Beijing from this: economic, and political - both with their own significant
risks’. 3
It is intriguing to many people that very little is known about OBOR
projects, which is ‘a collection of interlinking trade deals and
infrastructure projects throughout Eurasia and the Pacific, but the definition
of what exactly qualifies as an OBOR project or which countries are even
involved in the initiative is incredibly fuzzy’. 4
In reality it means, “everything and it means nothing at the same
time," asserted
Christopher Balding, a professor of economics at Peking University. This means
projects could be added or taken out as the situation demands; and strategies
could be planned to resolve issue and obstacles. This vagueness allows China to ‘bundle anything it wants into it’. Around 50 leading state - owned companies
have invested in nearly 1700 OBOR projects since 2013.
World leaders and
their representatives from various countries attended the Beijing Conference to
hear details of China’s One Belt One Road initiative. The next gathering on
this topic will be in 2019; however, at the end of the Conference on 15 May
2017, many participants and the OBOR or the CPEC watchers note with dismay that
still there is insufficient information given out about these projects. During
his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged 113 billion dollars extra funding;
and urged countries across the globe to join hands with him in pursuit of
globalization. He said:
“We have no
intention to form a small group detrimental to stability. What we hope to
create is a big family of harmonious co-existence.” 5
China claims that more
than 65 countries may join the OBOR; and that it is open to everyone. China and
other 64 countries identified for the project have aggregate population of 62%
of the world population. They also produce 30% of the economic output. It is
interesting to note that only 20 Heads of these countries participated in the
Conference; and most of them were small Asian countries which are heavily
dependent on the Chinese support. However, in total 52 countries had some level
of participation in the Beijing Conference; and that included representatives
from America and North Korea. Compared to the US and North Korea, Britain,
Germany and France sent lower level representatives.
After the successful
conference on One Belt One Road - OBOR, China presented itself as a country at
the heart of the world with a New World Order. However, a big question is, can
China afford all the economic ventures they have announced or those which or
already on the way?
China claims that 900 billion dollars’ worth of projects
are already underway, and with 4 to 8 trillion more to be spent according to
some estimates. The Chinese President Xi Jipping announced another 78 billion
to be spent on infrastructure to link China to Europe via Asia, Middle East and
Africa. 6
As mentioned earlier, the CPEC and OBOR are designed to
assert China’s influence in the world politics. In other words, China wants to
start a new era of globalisation and a New World Order; and write new rules
that can help China to dictate its terms, especially to future client states.
It must be remembered that Malacca Straits is important
sea route through which 80 percent of Chinese energy needs pass through. It is
also China’s route to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Over the years,
Chinese strategic experts felt that this route is vulnerable due to activities
of America and their allies. In the event of hostilities, the Chinese economy
could be paralysed.
This fear resulted in China desperately looking for an
alternative route; and the CPEC brings China to the Arabian Sea, which is strategically
important as it provides safe route for trade to the Indian Ocean, Pacific,
Atlantic and the Gulf. It also
enables the Chinese navy to block or endanger supplies from Gulf of Oman, if
and when needed.
The CPEC route to Gwadar is around
3,000 Kilometres long. The Sea route which China is currently using is around
12,000 Kilometres. So apart from many other benefits for China, they also see
this as a short and safer route. It provides China an opportunity to avoid
problems of the Malacca Straits, and if the
situation warrants, to strike back at the enemies by disrupting the sea
transport. So, one can see, for China, it is a big game changer.
The CPEC and fundamental rights
It is also worth noting that, while Pakistan will be paying
the costs of the CPEC projects, China will benefit most; and icing on the cake
is that nearly all big and important projects are awarded to the Chinese
companies without any bidding. What else can China expect when all five fingers
are in the pie; and their investment is safeguarded by sovereign guarantees.
Blinded with greed, ambitions and hatred, the Pakistani rulers are not even
prepared to learn any lessons from the Chinese investments in Sri Lanka and in
the African countries.
Nawaz Sharif government,
and especially those few involved in the CPEC projects know very well that
Pakistan will not pay back anything until 2020. These projects will not only
benefit them financially, but they will also help them politically as the N
League can win the next elections on the back of the CPEC. Before the people of
Pakistan even begin to comprehend what has happened to them; and how badly they
are trapped in web of the CPEC, the next government will be in the process of
completing their term.
The Pakistani leaders and
the establishment believes it is not too difficult to fool people of Pakistan.
They can use name of religion or a bogey of a threat from India to discipline
people. In any case, if it becomes politically too hot for them to tolerate the
heat, they will say goodbye to Pakistan, and fly abroad to live like kings. The
wealth they have accumulated is surely sufficient for them and the next few
generations to live in peace and prosperity.
It is debatable if the
CPEC will help to boost the Pakistani economy, however, it will surely help
Pakistani rulers and the establishment to curb fundamental rights of the people
and to silence dissent. China can only give what they have; and what they
practise. They have one party system in China. They do not tolerate dissent and
freedom of expression or other fundamental rights of citizens. What we will
have in Pakistan and in parts of Jammu and Kashmir State occupied by Pakistan
is intolerance, curb on rights of individuals; and a move towards one political
party dominating politics of the country with help of the establishment.
It looks that with China
at its back, the Pakistani authorities do not care if curbing free speech and
arresting social media activists will further tarnish its bad reputation; and
many analysts feel it is precisely the effect of the CPEC. Haroon Riaz, in his article ‘CPEC marks the end of
free speech in Pakistan’ asserted that:
‘It
is very hard, and almost feels immoral, to remain silent at the Interior
Minister’s crusade against dissenting bloggers and social media activists.
Since Zia’s period, we have not seen the Pakistani state practice such blunt
and open crackdown against free speech and dissent in the countries. What are
you to say of authorities who treat their own citizens, whose taxes pay for
their livelihood, like the enemy? It is deeply disappointing’. 7
People who pay taxes and are citizens of Pakistan have
every right to question what their rulers in civilian and uniform do in name of
democracy and national interest. They must see if the civil rights enshrined in
the Constitution are available to the ordinary citizens of Pakistan? Pakistan
is not considered among those countries which champion cause of freedom and
fundamental rights of all citizens. However, since the inception of the CPEC,
the Pakistani governments and secret agencies have been very pro - active in
curbing fundamental rights and silencing dissent by imposing draconian laws.
The government and secret agencies are not even prepared
to listen or look at the counter narrative and see if the criticism is valid or
not. Worst sufferers are in Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani
Occupied Gilgit Baltistan and in Balochistan, where people are even charged
with sedition just because they opposed the CPEC or arranged a seminar to
educate people on this topic.
I am also a victim of the Pakistani secret agencies, just
because I write on the CPEC; and have addressed a number of conferences on the
topic. Because the Pakistani secret agencies do not like my political
activities, they have blocked issuance of my Identity Card (every citizen of
Pakistan and territories of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani occupation must
have an identity card. It is evidence of individual’s existence and is
absolutely essential to live there. Without the ID card one cannot buy or sell
anything, cannot open a bank account or operate it, book a hotel room, apply
for a job or apply for a passport etc.). While blocking issuance of my ID card,
they said they wanted to ensure that I do not travel to my home village in so
called Azad Kashmir, or enter Pakistan. My bank accounts are frozen. I cannot
visit my relatives and friends. I cannot visit a grave of my beloved father. I
cannot sell my property. I could not inherit anything when my father passed
away, just because I did not have an ID card.
This is democracy of Pakistan. Readers can comprehend
what kind of life people of Pakistan, and especially people of Gilgit
Baltistan, people of POJK and people of Balochistan enjoy? It is sad that we
people of so called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cannot even say that we
are occupied by Pakistan, because that is tantamount to inviting wrath of the
Pakistani secret agencies and their foot soldiers, many of them have close
links with the fanatic groups, known as non - state actors.
Apart from Punjab, all provinces and areas under control
of Pakistan are complaining about the CPEC. Instead of listening to complaints
of these concerned people the relevant authorities try to harass them and
present them as anti - state elements. In sheer frustration, some Pakistanis
have taken up guns to, what they call, defend their rights and privileges.
This, of course, results in violence and loss of innocent lives; and that surely
is not the way forward as use of gun creates more problems.
One Pakistani writer thinks the CPEC can become a
‘causality’ because of ‘non- transparency’. He writes: ‘It is not the dreadful
violence and the devastating acts of terror. It is not the heinous designs of
hostile powers – regional and extra-regional – against Pakistan and Pak-China
relationship, either. And it is by no means the pity politicking rooted in
Pakistan’s ethnonational political edifice. The single largest threat to
once-in-a-century kind of an opportunity that is CPEC comes from an aura of
unwarranted secrecy surrounding the whole concept – from its overall plan to
the implementation of its various components, the projects that it entails. 8
If everything is in black and white, and there is no
hidden agenda or clandestine aspect of the CPEC, then why on earth both China
and Pakistan are hiding details. Each time they share some details their
contradictions become more apparent; and it adds to suspicions of the critics.
Is it not the responsibility of the N League government and those who manage
this mega project to ensure everything is transparent; and that all Provinces
and people belonging to all sections of the Pakistani society are on board, and
feel part of it.
Moreover, is it not essential that people of occupied
Gilgit Baltistan, Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and rebels of Balochistan are
taken in to confidence. Or is it that the government is determined to crush all
the rebels, and silence all the critics because the CPEC has attained a status
of a holy cow. Perhaps the authorities have taken this position that any
criticism and opposition, no matter how valid, is tantamount to attack on
national security and must be treated as a treason.
This attitude and narrative will have very serious
consequences for Pakistan. I believe they still have time to rectify the
problems, and take all the stake holders in to confidence. If, on other hand,
the rulers and secret agencies continue to exhibit obstinacy, intolerance, lack
of care and vision, then sadly it will be regarded as a China Punjab Economic
Corridor with extremely serious consequences for the CPEC and future of
Pakistan
Health of Pakistani economy
Pakistani government and especially Finance
Minister, Ishaq Dar, can boast many
economic achievements, but in reality, economy is not doing as well as it is
claimed. The Pakistani Think Tank, Institute
for Policy Reforms, which is headed by Dr Hafiz Pasha, a former Finance Minister, is not
impressed by the Economic Survey
2016-17, unveiled by Ishaq Dar on Thursday. In IPR’s opinion, there are ‘serious
concerns over balance of payments, weak export capacity, low savings and
investments, and a fragile macro economy have been the key highlights from this
year’s economic survey’. 9
Some Pakistani critics
feel that underneath this account of Economic Survey lay a ‘story of lack of
reforms, overreliance on borrowing, and a persistent lack of competitiveness’.
IPR report further stated that: “The
economy stands on weak pillars... It is no surprise that the economy missed
most targets, what is surprising is that this happens each year and no one
draws a lesson…On the expenditure side, foreign debt servicing has reached Rs85
billion in 2016-17 and will almost certainly exceed this year’s target of Rs113
billion.”10
I have pointed out in my articles
some months ago that Pakistani exports are declining; and that remittance from
the Pakistani and Azad Kashmiri Diaspora is also declining. IPR report notes
these points in the following words: ‘Export performance and weak workers’
remittance are a special concern. Exports are expected to be $21.5 billion
compared to the target of $24.75 billion’. In 2014 – 15 ‘exports were
25.1 billion. Remittances from the Diaspora are ‘2% below last year, instead of
the targeted growth of 5%.’ 11
What people say about the CPEC
It is interesting to note what different people say about
the CPEC, especially when there is a debate between Pakistanis and Indians.
When Pakistani writers, thinkers and social media activists oppose the CPEC and
how it will affect Pakistan and the politics of South Asia, Pakistani officials
and their foot soldiers take this as an ‘anti Pakistan’ position; and in worst
case scenario the opposing person is an agent of hostile powers.
However, when an India person criticises the CPEC, the
Pakistanis take that as a plus point and justification of the CPEC, because in
their perception if the CPEC was bad for Pakistan and the Pakistani economy,
then Indians should have been happy. They don’t think that the Indian critics may
have environmental issues in mind, which will affect Pakistan’s neighbours and
the entire South Asia. They also don’t think that some Indians could be
concerned about the instability and violence which may ensue as the direct
result of the CPEC; and that will also affect Pakistan’s neighbours and South
Asia. Furthermore, some Indians may be concerned about the political and
economic meltdown, extremism, terrorism and insurgency which will ultimately
hurt India too.
I find this debate between Indians and Pakistanis
fascinating; and some readers will find it interesting.
One Indian critic said: ‘Basically, china is doing
what England did to India’.
Another Indian, SHYAMA, wrote: ‘If one
looks at the facts of OBOR/CPEC - Chinese banks lend money at high interest
rate, Chinese workers would build the infrastructure, and the new companies in
host countries would be Chinese owned. India sees this as a win-lose and hence
she opted out. I think she did a service to other countries by articulating the
reasons. which are - Local people are not participating, local industries would
be affected and the participating countries face a huge debt burden’.
GHAZNAVI, a Pakistani replied: ‘Given the
number of Indians on this forum (Dawn comments section), mostly posting negative
comments, would, I say is a good barometer to judge whether this is a good deal
for Pakistan or not. The more negative the Indians are about this project the
better is the deal for Pakistan.’
RANA EHTASHAM UL HASSAN, a Pakistani said: ‘CPEC - Chinese are guarding their interests and they have
every right to do it, the big question is what we, the Pakistanis, are doing
and hoping for, 'keeping our fingers crossed and anticipating miracles to
happen for us', that's not the way, a nation rises!’
Another Indian said: ‘This master
plan reminds one of an ancient story 'The Arab, camel and his tent'. China is
putting its stamp in almost all fields covering the entire country which has
all the hall marks of the above story turning into reality one day’.
‘Will
Washington and London accommodate the Pakistani elite’?
A Pakistan critic, ZAMEER, said: “All Pakistani people will be in DEBT, and Chinese will
take over them; and rich politicians will run away to developed countries. Why
Don’t we understand”?
NARADA MUNI, an Indian critic said: ‘Most
important things that Pakistan needs right now are Health care and Education.
Not a single school or Hospital in grand CPEC plan. What a shame? SPAs and Jacuzzis don't help common man’.
Another Indian critic said: ‘CPEC has
little to do with India, OBOR has little to do with India - it is all about
China desperately want to make other countries borrow its money, build roads
using Chinese companies and employees, and agree to have Chinese products
dumped in its market. Given that, India's current position is intelligent. So
please be glad you have become a Chinese colony, enjoy your ride.
Ali, a Pakistani
critic wrote: ‘We handover own country to China. Next 20 year we will be
part of China’.
Khalid, a Pakistani who lives in Japan said:
‘As professional engineer who participated in the
feasibility for multi-billion dollar projects, I am not against this project
but I am completely against the way it has been executing. Believe me this will
destroy Pakistan economy completely. Pakistani Engineering companies are on the
edge of dyeing in due to awarding projects to Chinese Companies. I had biggest
engineering company in Pakistan - had around 1400 engineers five years back now
reduced to around 500’.
‘Our leaders have one more silver bullet to woo, the
general public ahead of an election. I wish plan would be successful, but is
unlikely. Pakistan has no economic plan of its own, no bureaucracy to
effectively monitor or implement the basic agenda of the state - Law and order,
development and implementation of policies, no basic infra-structure - Power,
water, highways, ports etc. Everything she ever does ends up being a big sink
hole and this will be no different’.
PROF ALI SHAFA, a man from Gilgit Baltistan wrote:
China and
Pakistan have ignored gateway to this mega project, I mean Gilgit Baltistan, I
want to know without GB share or partnership how sustainability will meet as
youth of the GB and leadership, even GB provincial government accepted GB not
getting due share, as more than 400km GB land will be utilized in CPEC road
link?
Students
and political activists, despite iron fist control of Pakistan call the CPEC an illegal attempt to grab Gilgit Baltistan. They said
this road is not a road of economic progress; but a road of ‘slavery for Gilgit
Baltistan’. The Protestors strongly feel that the Project is a ploy by China to
advance its agenda; and in collusion with Pakistan, to take over their land and
homes. 12
Conclusion
Although, I can’t see much good coming
for Pakistan and for the people from what we know about the CPEC, still, in
conclusion, I can wish people of Pakistan all the best with this adventure. I
know for sure that my people in Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will suffer;
and our natural resources will be exploited with new enthusiasm. The CPEC can
have a negative impact on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as well.
Despite that, I hope my apprehensions
about Balochistan and rest of Pakistan prove to be wrong. However, just to
refresh memory of my readers, especially Pakistanis, I can summarise some of
the forthcoming problems:
1. China is only interested in the development
of the region to the extent that the infrastructure built by the Chinese loan
could be used to transport the Chinese goods;
2. Also,
that the ‘client countries’ remain in a position to buy the Chinese goods; and
keep on borrowing money from the Chinese banks and government.
3. There
is no plan to make these countries self - sufficient in anything. Countries
like Pakistan can act as a laboratory to test various Chinese products in
agriculture and many other fields.
4. No intention to help and resolve political,
regional or territorial disputes countries like Pakistan have; and which cause
instability and endanger the future of the country. Presence of these disputes
make them subservient to Beijing.
5. China also uses its military and economic
might to intimidate and harass smaller and weak neighbours, as evidenced in the
South China Sea.
6. There will be a sharp increase in human
rights violations in various parts of Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and
areas of occupied Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Pakistan’s reliance on China will increase
substantially; and Pakistan will become more subservient to Beijing; and many
aspects of the Pakistani life and culture will be dominated by the
Chinese.
8. There will be a big demand for people with
ability to communicate in Chinese; and colleges and universities will run
special courses to meet this demand.
9. The Pakistani economy may see initial signs
of improvement, but since it is not going in the right direction, and
government is misleading people, there will soon be very serious economic,
political and social problems.
10. Although China has made this huge investment,
but there is a little joy over this in many circles in Pakistan, more and more
thinking people are expressing anguish and resentment, which will multiply with
time.
11. The CPEC and OBOR will help China to assert
itself as a New Imperial power in the region and beyond. This mission of China,
although camouflaged by economic projects, will not be allowed to proceed
unchallenged. This has potential to make the region a battleground for
competing interests of powerful nations.
12. China will use its influence and financial
muscle to export its extra manpower and goods to other countries, which will
help China to export culture and influence.
13. High interest rates on the loans will enrich
the Chinese banks. The CPEC will also produce some more Pakistani billionaires,
however, Pakistan, as a country, will suffer enormously; and its sovereignty
will be compromised in certain areas.
14. Trade deficit with China will increase
sharply, and Pakistan will have serious problems in paying back instalments;
and Pakistan may end up giving away some of its territory to China, or leasing
it to them for many years.
15. Pakistan may hand over some more territory
from Gilgit Baltistan to China, as they did in 1963. Gilgit Baltistan is
legally not part of Pakistan; and is still part of the erstwhile State of Jammu
and Kashmir.
16. Because almost all the major projects were
given to the Chinese companies without any bidding, that will enhance their
reputation and make them strong and richer.
17. That means bad news for the Pakistani
companies and the Pakistani exports; and in certain areas of the economy people
will lose their jobs.
18. The CPEC will result in very serious
environment problems; and both China and Pakistan are tight lipped about this.
No plans are made to deal with environmental problems which will surely hurt
people of Pakistan, especially people of Gilgit Baltistan and Balochistan.
19. Some Pakistani economists estimate that Pakistan
will pay back about 90 billion dollars to China. Does the Pakistani economy
have potential to pay this kind of amount? If answer is no, then what will
Pakistan give to China to settle the loan? People of Pakistan need to think
about this seriously.
20. My worst apprehension is that the CPEC will
result in political and economic instability, bloodshed and even a war, as the
countries which be directly affected; or will feel threatened by the military
and strategic aspects of the CPEC will not sit and watch.
References:
2. Ibid
3. Ibid
4. Ibid
6. Ibid
9. Express Tribune, 25 May
2017
10. Ibid
11. Ibid
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