CPEC and The Importance of Maritime Security

The sea routes have always been a major source of global economic activity conjoined with the political interests of the states. They have remained integral in the quest for power and also play an essential role in maintaining the power equilibrium among the contending states. This is why the countries which are landlocked are considered to be less fortunate and handicapped in terms of pursuing their economic and political interests as compared to the littoral ones.

However, in order to fully utilize the maritime advantages, it is essential that an effective policy focusing on the security and safety of the sea lanes and water bodies; including both the domestic and international waters is devised and streamlined on the regular basis.

Gwadar port promises to offer huge dividends not just to Pakistan and China but has the potential to bring about benefits beyond the immediate region. Hence the maritime security is an important yet less attended area that demands serious attention by the policy makers. It is a fact that any deliberation on CPEC must evaluate and highlight the region’s prevailing and emerging maritime challenges.

While the deep sea Gwadar port is going to place China and Pakistan in an extremely advantageous strategic position, it will also bring about a trend of intense competition among the contending states. India for instance considers itself the biggest stakeholder in China’s One Belt One Road initiative. Its ambitions to turn the Indian Ocean into India’s Ocean are perceived to be under great threat by Pak-China strategic cooperation in the form of CPEC.

Not only will China be able to station its vessels at the Gwadar port, securing permanent place for itself in the Arabian Sea but will also undermine the much desired Indian hegemony in the Indian Ocean while at the same time strengthening security for Pakistan’s seaward shores. The US also feels apprehensive of China’s alleged designs regarding diverting India’s attention from Asia Pacific, ultimately neutralizing US’ attempts to isolate/contain China. Hence the three major states India, US and China are very closely scrutinizing and re-evaluating their options around the Indian Ocean