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Emanuele Rossi

Pakistan, the China’s Shortcut to the Gulf

The Persian Gulf, with its energy wealth and pivotal role in global trade, is becoming increasingly vital to China’s economic and geopolitical ambitions. In this landscape, Pakistan has already emerged as a cornerstone of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering Chinese firms direct access to the Arabian Sea and Gulf markets. This bypasses strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca (India-controlled) and strengthens Beijing’s hand in the Middle East.

To further this strategy, Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has launched operations using the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) system. This mechanism facilitates road-based transit by reducing customs duties and taxes. The new trade route through the Khunjerab Pass connects China’s BRI to Pakistan’s road infrastructure, which then links to the deep-water port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea. From there, goods can be transported by sea to Gulf markets. This route enhances regional connectivity and positions Pakistan as a strategic logistics hub in China’s Belt and Road network.

However, this growing interdependence comes with not-easy critical challenges. One telling example of imbalances in Sino-Pakistani relations involves Pakistan’s purchase of 350 train bogies from China—only to discover that they were incompatible with its rail infrastructure. When Islamabad sought a resolution, China responded bluntly something like: “Not our problem. You signed the deal.” The incident illustrates Beijing’s hardline approach to its projects, leaving Pakistan to shoulder the burden of poor planning and lack of oversight. The bogies now serve as a symbolic reminder of the risks inherent in such partnerships.

CPEC: Progress, Pitfalls, and Technology Risks

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—a $60 billion cornerstone of the BRI—has undeniably improved Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors. Yet, CPEC is not solely about physical infrastructure. Digital infrastructure plays a growing role in China’s strategy. Beijing is expanding the technological reach of the BRI through smart ports, fiber-optic cables, and potentially 5G networks. Such projects raise concerns over cyber espionage, surveillance, and control of critical data—issues of particular interest to regional actors wary of China’s influence over digital security.

Similar concerns have already surfaced in other parts of the Middle East where China’s technology giants, such as Huawei, have gained a foothold. These developments warrant close attention as technology becomes an increasingly integral part of China’s strategic leverage.

At the same time, these projects have also deepened Islamabad’s economic dependence on Beijing. Gwadar, a flagship port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, highlights the tensions brewing under the surface. Once envisioned as a thriving commercial hub, Gwadar is now a heavily militarized city. Local communities have grown resentful over restrictions on industries like fishing, accusing both China and the Pakistani government of exploiting resources without delivering promised benefits.

A Corridor of Complexity

The relationship between China and Pakistan, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), faces several critical challenges. One of the main issues revolves around the city of Gwadar in Balochistan province, which was expected to become a thriving economic hub thanks to Chinese investments in infrastructure, including a deep-water port and a new airport. However, instead of bringing prosperity to the local population, these projects have sparked significant tensions.

The city’s militarization—marked by fences, restricted areas for Chinese workers, and numerous security checkpoints—has fueled discontent among residents. Restrictions have severely impacted traditional industries such as fishing, a vital source of livelihood for many locals. Fishermen have voiced frustration over limited access to the sea and accuse China of exploiting resources without providing tangible benefits to the community.

These tensions have fueled hostility from militant groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which accuses China of exploitation and has intensified attacks on Chinese interests in the region. The growing insecurity has led to delays in the second phase of the CPEC and the withdrawal of some Chinese personnel due to safety concerns.

Additionally, there are concerns that China’s objectives may be more strategic than economic. There are suspicions that Gwadar’s port may serve as a future naval base and that the new airport could have military purposes. These ambitions have heightened tensions with international actors such as the United States and India, who worry about potential Chinese military expansion in the region.

Finally, the perception of unfulfilled promises and the lack of concrete benefits for the local population have deepened resentment toward the Chinese presence. This resentment has further complicated bilateral relations and raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the CPEC project.

Strategic Implications

China’s deepening engagement with Pakistan is about more than infrastructure—it’s a calculated move to secure influence in the Gulf and presence on Indian Ocean. This shift should serve as a wake-up call for the United States, which risks ceding ground to Beijing in a region where Washington once dominated. Strengthening alliances with Gulf partners and offering viable alternatives to China’s debt-driven projects are now critical. Under this lens, China’s activities with Pakistan, particularly the CPEC, should also be seen as a direct challenge to the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).

The IMEC aims to connect India and the Middle East to Europe, with Israel playing a central role in the project. The port of Haifa is considered a key connector to the Mediterranean and, consequently, to Europe. Meanwhile, China’s strategy seeks to bypass the Indian subcontinent and the chokepoints it controls by securing strategic access through Pakistan.

China’s growing presence could reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape, affecting trade routes, digital infrastructure, and strategic alliances. Understanding these evolving dynamics will be crucial in safeguarding long-term security and economic interests in the Middle East.

Moreover, China’s push is tied to broader geopolitical dynamics, including its alignment with Russia and Iran. This axis represents a significant counterweight to Western influence in the region. As the West remains preoccupied with other global crises, Beijing is rapidly consolidating its global foothold.

About the Author
Emanuele Rossi is an international affairs analyst, specializing in the Indo-Mediterranean region. His work focuses on the global interconnections of the Enlarged Mediterranean, with a keen eye on the Indo-Pacific.
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