China’s new multi-purpose port Gwadar is a key part of China’s grand strategy and is an emerging strategic strongpoint. It has the depth and pier space to accommodate the PLAN’s largest vessels. Yet, the Balochistan Liberation Army and militants are exploiting the rebellious sentiment of the Gwadar population.
Gwadar is a Chinese-built multipurpose port
As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is building a multipurpose port in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province. The port will train local fishermen and export their catch. There are some concerns about the Chinese involvement, however. One of these is that Pakistan may not have the necessary infrastructure to run such a large port.
The Port of Gwadar is located in the southern part of Pakistan, near the border with Iran. It is on a rocky promontory in the Arabian Sea. The promontory is about 560 feet high and 2.5 miles wide. A 12 km-long isthmus links the promontory to the Pakistani shore. It separates the deep water Demi Zirr harbour from the shallow Padi Zirr bay.
China’s interests in Gwadar go beyond trade. The port is strategically important for both China and Pakistan, as it could open up access to the Indian Ocean and strengthen China-Pakistan ties. Despite its commercial difficulties, Gwadar is an important Chinese initiative and should be given proper consideration.
The Chinese have invested in Gwadar and have commenced a number of important projects. A modern business center, a modern free-trade zone, and a modern international airport are under construction. The airport will open regular flights in March. Meanwhile, the port’s infrastructure is now ready to handle more than four ships a month. In addition, a six-lane international standard expressway is being built to connect the port to the rest of Pakistan and neighboring countries.
Gwadar is part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Other “pearls” include Myanmar’s Kyukpyu port and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Maldives has also agreed to lease the port to China for a long period of time. However, security concerns and India’s claims over parts of the region crossed by CPEC remain major challenges.
It is a strategic foothold in China’s grand strategy
Gwadar is an important strategic foothold for China in the Indo-Pacific. It’s part of China’s String of Pearls strategy for the region, which includes other strategic port locations such as Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Kyukpyu in Myanmar. In addition, the Maldives has recently negotiated a long-term lease for a Chinese-built port. This maritime strategy is heavily influenced by Mahan’s theory of sea dominance. China’s PLA Navy is expanding at a fast pace and is clearly aiming to dominate the Indo-Pacific.
Gwadar is also strategically important for China, as it bypasses the Strait of Malacca, a strategic chokepoint between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, which India could close during wartime. The Chinese Navy is thought to consider the port as a future overseas base, and the new construction in the area hints at this. China is also building its first overseas military base in Djibouti, which will be part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Gwadar’s strategic location in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea will allow the PLA navy to maintain a permanent presence in these maritime areas. Moreover, Gwadar’s port facilities are large enough to support the largest vessels of the PLAN, and the port has a large laydown yard. These facilities are also suitable for marshalling military materials and equipment.
While the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean are part of China’s grand strategy, the Indian Ocean and the Horn of Africa are distinct tactical theaters. China’s involvement in these theaters shows that it is committed to maintaining international security.
It has the pier space and depth to support the PLAN’s largest vessels
Gwadar is an important strategic port for the PLAN. It is already a key stop for PLAN ships visiting the principal port of Karachi, and the PLAN is conducting major bilateral military engagements with Pakistan’s Navy. The port’s low commercial utilization has allowed it to be used extensively by the Pakistani Navy. The Pakistani Navy already operates Chinese-made vessels, and will soon field Chinese-made submarines. PN facilities and personnel may easily be employed to support these vessels.
Gwadar has sufficient pier space and depth to accommodate the PLAN’s largest vessels. The port also boasts a large laydown yard. In addition, the port is well-suited to marshall military materials and equipment. Gwadar’s low commercial activity also helps maintain military secrecy. Furthermore, its location is isolated from other ports, making it more secure.
The port also reduces China’s dependence on the South China Sea and the Sea of Malacca. Moreover, it creates an alternative route for energy imports, reducing transit times and shipping costs. The current sea route to China is around 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles), while the distance from Gwadar Port to the eastern coast of China is just over 3,000 km (1,900 mi). The CPEC is expected to cut the transit times and costs for the PLAN’s energy imports.
Gwadar port is located in southwestern Pakistan, near the Iranian border. It is a deep warm water port with a 4.7-km approach channel. Since the port was not dredged during the previous PTI government, silt has accumulated and reduced the depth of the channel to 11 meters.
It is a small fishermen’s town
While the CPEC is bringing great economic prosperity to the country, there are many issues that continue to plague the people of Gwadar. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of freshwater. The town has two dams that collect rainwater, but the lack of coordination between government departments has meant that the water supply to residents has been delayed. Despite this, China Overseas Port Handling Company (COPHC) is building a mega reverse osmosis plant that will supply 800,000 tons of water per day to the city. But for the people of Gwadar to enjoy such benefits, they need a strong local government.
Gwadar is in the poorest province of Pakistan. Separatist insurgents are waging a guerilla war against the government. Though this conflict is low-level and is not threatening civilians, there have been numerous atrocities committed in the area. As a result, the police in Gwadar are polite, but firm.
Gwadar is a fishing town located in the southwest of Pakistan. The port is a critical link between the two nations. Its location, near the Straits of Hormuz, makes it a strategic location for both countries. As such, it is hoped that China will eventually establish a corridor here that will link northwest China to the coast of Pakistan.
The Chinese government has pledged a huge assistance package to the town to support its future. In 2013, the Chinese Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd. took over operations of the port in Gwadar. The company plans to handle 300 million tons of cargo per year and is developing seafood processing plants in the free trade zone nearby. But local residents worry about the port’s expansion and the construction of the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway.
