Pakistan-China Economic Corridor: Security Implications for Indian Ocean Region

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the developing security environment of Indian Ocean Region (IOR), in the context of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The study also discusses the important stake holders and strategic and economic significance of IOR. CPEC is aimed to increase regional connectivity by overland routes from Gwadar to Kashgar which will trigger economic development in the region. However, CPEC has its own security implications for the IOR. This is a qualitative study based on the secondary sources. The study finds that the Indian Ocean already has naval presence of major powers and with the commencement of CPEC the Ocean is expected to be heavily militarised by two Asian powers, India and China. An investment of 72 billion US dollars by China on CPEC requires increased Chinese military presence which pushes India and the US to balance. Likewise, India's attempts to enhance its military power vis-à-vis China force Pakistan to balance against India. Thus the CPEC has increased the chances of initiating a deadly arms race in the IOR. The study recommends that Pakistan and China by applying Regional Security Complex should increase interdependence among the stakeholders which will reduce the chances of the likely arms race.