Chinese Policies Towards Warm Waters and Baloch Militancy

Abstract

China is an evolving economic power, yet despite governing a large portion of the global land, it
lacks access to warm waters that can be used throughout the year. China's desire to play an
important role in the Indian Ocean stems from the country's historical ties to the region, as well as
the presence of vital sea trade routes in the region. It has long-term economic and political-strategic
interests in the Indian Ocean. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project aims to
connect Pakistan and China through highways, oil and gas pipelines, railways, and an optical fiber
link stretching from Gwadar to Xinjiang. The project, which is the largest in China-Pakistan bilateral
relations, is beset by challenges. In the evolving regional dynamics, Balochistan as an energy and
trade corridor could strengthen China-Pakistan relations and provide opportunities for shared
benefits. However, a number of external powers are involved, and they are playing a role in fueling
unrest in Balochistan, which is a stumbling block in China's policies toward warm waters.