Contextualising Germen Involvement in CPEC through Wakhan Corridor and Gwadar Port as an Diplo-Economic Opportunity

Hasan Yaser Malik

doi:10.22158/elp.v2n1p73

Abstract

<em>Since seventh, eighteenth, nineteenth century Germany is maintaining diplomatic relations with China, Afghanistan and five Central Asian Republics respectively in Asian Region. Main facets of German interests in Asian Region have been diplomatic, economic and social development. Germans as a nation have always proved their worth by successfully dealing the challenges and rising to the status of a strong nation. Presently Germany is the biggest European economic power and is asserting to enhance it’s economic and diplomatic relations in Indo-Pacific and Asian Region. Apart from establishing trade link; mainly rail link with China and Central Asia it will be prudent to extend its access to Indo-Pacific Region well as part of “One Belt One Road Initiative” and “China Pakistan Economic Corridor” through Wakhan Corridor in North of Pakistan to Gwadar; North Arabian Sea Port of Pakistan. This route will provide land and sea access for Germany to billions of Asians and will enhance its diplo-economic influence in Indo-Pacific Region.</em>

Highlights

Placed in middle of Europe; Germany is an economic pivot for recession stricken European Union (EU)
It will be beneficial for Germany to make use of Khargos-Gwadar Axis to enhance its trade in Indo-Pacific Region by utilising the North Arabian Pakistani Port of Gwadar; which is a gate way to Persian Gulf in Pakistan
Any possible German Naval Facility at Gwadar in combination with China will have strategic influence in entire Indian Ocean and South China Sea creating a balance in the Region and securing the sea lines of communications

Summary

Introduction

Placed in middle of Europe; Germany is an economic pivot for recession stricken European Union (EU). Train service has increased trade volumes between China and their destination countries by delivering IT products, clothing, automobile parts, food, wine and timber. Such emerging inter-continental rail linkage will enhance the German land access to Caspian Region, Central Asian Republics (CARs), Khorgos (world biggest dry port on China Kazakhstan Border) and Pacific Coast through mainland China. It will vital for the Germany to further enhance its diplomatic and economic influence in Asian and Indo-Pacific Regions as this would allow a prudent access to the population of about three billion as a economic market and the sea lines of communications mainly emerging out of the energy rich Strait of Hurmoz. To formulate a pragmatic discussion it will prudent to understand the German interests in Asian and Indo-Pacific Regions in subsequent paragraphs

German Interests in Central Asian Republics

Findings

11. Conclusion