BRI and Geopolitical, Geoeconomic, and Maritime Security Dynamics of South Asia: Significance of Gwadar Port

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the pioneer project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the development of Gwadar port is part of it. This research explains the geoeconomic and geopolitical significance of Gwadar port for China and Pakistan. It discusses the role of Gwadar port in the successful implementation of BRI and its economic security outcomes for Pakistan and China, and other partners in BRI. A qualitative research approach is used to examine the geoeconomic effects of Gwadar port on the economic and political relations of China and Pakistan. The official reports and government documents are used for data analysis. The findings show that Gwadar port could be a solution to the economic security targets of China and Pakistan. China will also gain energy security by finding an alternate, more secure route for the supply of oil and export of goods and better access to markets of Central Asia, Europe, and the USA. Moreover, Pakistan is expected to observe a significant rise in maritime trade capacity to support the dwindling economy. Furthermore, naval security will improve by reducing reliance on existing ports in Karachi, close to the Indian border.