China has again defended its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, by terming it an economic initiative.
What is the issue?
CPEC is USD 60 billion project of China with Pakistan. While, India do not support the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region of India. China again has disregarded India’s protests stating that project has not affected its principled stand on Kashmir issue.
What is CPEC?
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, launched in 2013, comprises of several infrastructure projects which are under construction throughout Pakistan. CPEC projects is worth $62 billion project as of 2020. Project was launched to rapidly upgrade required infrastructure in Pakistan and strengthen its economy by constructing modern transportation networks, energy projects, and special economic zones.
Why India opposes this project?
India opposes CPEC project because of upgradation works to Karakoram Highway are happening in Gilgit-Baltistan which is contested between India and Pakistan.
When did India start objecting CPEC?
In the past instances, India did not object to Chinese construction of Karakoram Highway during 1959 and 1979. It also not objected to major upgradation works to Karakoram Highway by China after 2010 earthquake. India started objecting Chinese construction works in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2011 after China complaint about Indian-Vietnamese oil exploration project in disputed South China Sea.