This paper aims to answer the following question: How does the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor affect Sino-Indian relations?
Based on academic literature and newspaper articles, the development of the relations will be analyzed. First, a short background of Sino-Indian relations since the Sino-Indian war in 1962 will be provided, before focusing on the disputed area of Gilgit-Baltistan. Second, CPEC will be briefly described, of which the Diamer Basha Dam project -which is located in Gilgit-Baltistan - will be closely looked at. In the main part of this paper, the implications of CPEC and Diamer Basha Dam project on Sino-Indian relations will be examined. Finally, the findings will be summarized with a focus on the effects on the sustainable development goals. It is to be noted that the relationships of both China and India with Pakistan play a vital role in this research question, hence there will be references made for a thorough understanding.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Sino-Indian Relations and the disputed territory Gilgit-Baltistan
2.1. Recent history of Sino-Indian Relationship
2.2. Disputed territory Gilgit-Baltistan
3. CPEC & Diamer Dam
3.1. Introduction to CPEC
3.2. Introduction to Diamer Basha Dam
4. Impact of the project on the Sino-Indian relationship
4.1. Implications for India
4.2. Implications for China
4.3. Ladakh border clash
5. Concluding remarks
Objectives and Thematic Focus
This paper examines the influence of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), specifically the Diamer Basha Dam project, on the diplomatic relations between China and India. It seeks to understand how strategic infrastructure investments in disputed territories exacerbate regional tensions and impact bilateral ties.
- Historical evolution of Sino-Indian relations and territorial disputes.
- Strategic significance of the CPEC and the Diamer Basha Dam project.
- Geopolitical implications for Indian national security and sovereignty.
- Chinese foreign policy shifts regarding the Kashmir conflict.
- The link between infrastructure development and regional military escalations.
Excerpts from the Book
3.2. Introduction to Diamer Basha Dam
One of the CPEC projects that are located in the disputed territory of GB is the Diamer Basha Dam, which has “paramount importance for water, food and energy security of Pakistan” (Business Recorder, 2020) and is expected to both return significant economic benefits and reduce water stress (Robinson & Gueneau, 2014, pp. 11-12). “Diamer Bhasha Dam is located on the boundary of two different provinces Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Diamer is a district in Gilgit Baltistan, and Bhasha is a village of district Kohistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. (…) Most of the project activities are located in the Diamer district of Gilgit Baltistan, including most of the land acquisition and displacement of local population” (Sabir & Torre, 2020, pp. 6-7). For a map of the project location, refer to Figure 1.
The project is planned to become the tallest roller compact concrete dam worldwide with a height of 272 meters. It was already proposed in the 1980s and approved in 2006 (Jamal, 2020). Both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank declined to finance the Diamer Basha Dam project due to the territorial disputes with India. (Online International News Network, 2012) In 2013, Pakistan had invited international companies to submit a proposal for the building of the dam and had requested monetary support from China, the USA and also the World Bank (inp, 2020). In 2017, Pakistan had excluded the dam from the CPEC projects as they could not agree on the conditions with China (Rana, 2017). The construction was finally awarded in 2020 – under the CPEC framework - and completion is expected in 2028 (Pak Tribune, 2020).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the research scope, outlining the importance of Sino-Indian relations and the influence of China's One Belt One Road initiative on the Asian region.
2 Sino-Indian Relations and the disputed territory Gilgit-Baltistan: It provides a historical overview of the relationship since 1962 and details the contested status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
3. CPEC & Diamer Dam: This section introduces the CPEC infrastructure framework and examines the specific context of the Diamer Basha Dam project.
4. Impact of the project on the Sino-Indian relationship: This chapter analyzes how CPEC affects India’s security perception, China’s strategic positioning, and the resulting border tensions.
5. Concluding remarks: The final section summarizes how CPEC has shifted China’s role from a regional moderator to an active influencer, worsening bilateral ties.
Keywords
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, CPEC, Sino-Indian Relations, Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer Basha Dam, One Belt One Road, Territorial Dispute, Kashmir, Ladakh Border Clash, Infrastructure Development, Geopolitics, Sustainable Development Goals, Sovereignty, Foreign Policy, Belt and Road Initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on the relationship between China and India, focusing on how infrastructure projects in disputed areas influence diplomatic stability.
What are the core themes addressed in this work?
The primary themes include geopolitical rivalry, territorial disputes in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, infrastructure investment as a strategic tool, and the impact of these projects on regional peace and sustainable development goals.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The objective is to analyze how the inclusion of projects like the Diamer Basha Dam within CPEC affects Sino-Indian relations and to assess whether these developments have contributed to recent military confrontations.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis of academic literature, reports, and international news articles to trace the development of political relations and territorial conflicts.
What content is covered in the main section?
The main section investigates the perspectives of both India and China, the legality of the CPEC in disputed territories, the historical context of border clashes, and the broader strategic power struggle between the two nations.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as CPEC, Sino-Indian Relations, Geopolitics, Territorial Dispute, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Belt and Road Initiative.
How does the Diamer Basha Dam impact the local population?
The construction of the dam has resulted in the displacement of approximately 30,000 people and poses environmental risks, including the submersion of historical rock carvings and potential hazards due to the project's location in a seismically active zone.
How have recent changes to Article 370 influenced the situation?
India’s abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 changed the administrative status of Jammu and Kashmir, which prompted both Pakistan and China to react, further complicating the legal and political landscape of the CPEC projects.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stephanie Mitterer (Autor:in), 2020, How does the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor affect Sino-Indian relations?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/941979
