China’s Premier Inaugurates Beijing-Funded Airport in Volatile Region
Pakistan Visit
China’s Premier Li Qiang has taken part in a ceremony during his Pakistan visit to inaugurate a Beijing-funded airport in Balochistan, a region where Chinese interests are frequently targeted by separatists. The premier did not travel to Balochistan, instead, he "virtually" inaugurated Gwadar Airport at a ceremony held in Islamabad, around 2,000 kilometres away.
Gwadar Airport: A Vital Project
The airport is located next to Gwadar Port, the cornerstone project of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s coast. This project is a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and China.
Uncertainty Surrounds Airport Operations
An aviation official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the airport is ready for operations but is not yet operational. The official stated that the facility is waiting for the necessary clearances to start operating.
Strained Ties
Beijing has been a reliable ally to Islamabad, providing financial assistance to help the country overcome its economic struggles. However, the relationship is strained due to several militant attacks on CPEC projects, which have claimed the lives of over 20 Chinese nationals in the past three years. Recently, two Chinese nationals were killed in an attack on a convoy of engineers in Karachi, with Baloch militants taking responsibility for the attack.
Promoting Peace and Security
Addressing the ceremony, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Premier Li that he would work closely with him to promote peace and security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, stating, "I want to assure you that I will work with you very closely… to promote peace and security for the people of China in Pakistan."
Conclusion
The inauguration of Gwadar Airport marks an important milestone in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, but the attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi highlights the challenges faced by Beijing in protecting its interests in the region. The United States and other foreign partners are closely monitoring the situation, seeking to balance their concerns about Chinese expansion in the region with their engagement with Pakistan.
FAQs
- When did China’s Premier Li Qiang visit Pakistan?
Li Qiang visited Pakistan on Monday and will stay until Friday. - What is the significance of Gwadar Airport?
Gwadar Airport is a key project in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which connects China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s coast. - Are the airport operations expected to start soon?
Although the airport is ready for operations, it is not yet operational due to pending clearances. - What is the current state of the China-Pakistan relationship?
The relationship is strained due to several militant attacks on CPEC projects, which have claimed the lives of over 20 Chinese nationals in the past three years.