The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle said “Man is a social animal. He who lives without society is either a beast or God”. At the same time, man is often found in conflict over resources and power. This power hungry nature of man led to territorial gains as it had been considered a symbol of power. Once a territory had been acquired, it was claimed as a colony.
Then there is imperialism, where a powerful nation controls and exploits one or more colonies. Colonies have had military or geopolitical significance for imperialists but their primary purpose was focusing on economics. Colonialism and imperial rivalry provided both a cause and context for the two World wars, followed by the Cold War era, an age of bipolarity. The world was divided into two blocs; capitalism versus socialism. The Soviet Union and its allies which included countries in Asia, Western Europe and South America were proponents of socialism while the United States and its allies that is countries in Western Europe were strong advocates of capitalism. The Cold War virtually dominated the whole world in terms of economy and development.
The post-Cold War era was characterized by globalization and the prevalence of neo-liberalism which stabilized world economy and empowered the under-developed countries through economic interdependence. To this day, economic interdependence prevails in the form of trade liberalization and corporate culture.
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant initiative of economic interdependence for both countries. It is not only economically but also strategically beneficial for both countries. Gwadar to Kashgar route will offer the shortest possible route between China and Middle East as Gwadar is located at the front of Strait of Hormuz which channels trade worth $40 trillion every year. CPEC will open the door of prosperity and development in Balochistan since major manufacturing units are being established in Gwadar. Moreover, it will increase the opportunity of employment in remote areas.
Many opponents perceive China’s efforts for CPEC as imperialistic. Most of them have been comparing it with how East India Company colonized India during pre-independence time by eventually gaining power and overthrowing the Mughals. But it does not hold true in the case of CPEC. Firstly, colonialism is imposed by one country through acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it, and exploiting it economically. Whereas, CPEC is based on mutual consent between China and Pakistan for infrastructural and economic development. Owing to CPEC energy projects, Pakistan’s energy crunch can be relieved in the years to come.
Secondly, India became a colony because there was no concept of sovereignty. Pakistan, on the other hand, emerged as the 52nd sovereign state in 1947. Hence, its sovereignty cannot be challenged in the presence of autonomous authorities that run the state. Moreover, Pakistan is among the eight fast growing economies of the world due to structural reforms introduced by the current government. If China’s aims were imperialist then Pakistan would have started experiencing economic downward spiral. Although, the government of China runs on socialistic lines but it is eminent that the economic structure of China is based on capitalist aims.
Furthermore, the government of Pakistan has taken several initiatives to secure the land. The land that has been provided to Chinese companies for materializing projects under CPEC is on lease. In a land-lease agreement, lessee can lawfully, peacefully and freely hold, occupy, use and operate at the site in order to fulfil its obligations and exercise its rights under the sole owner. In case of a development program, lessee is permitted to build, operate and maintain projects in accordance with the owner and not permitted to utilize the site for any other purpose. In this way, the so-called threat of Chinese imperialism can be minimalized. Pakistan also intends to sign a 43 year-lease with a Chinese company to develop 2300 acres of special economic zone in the deep sea port of Gwadar. This project will be a milestone for the empowerment of Balochistan and an opportunity for the welfare of the Baloch.
Although, power hungry nature of man leads to conflicts between states but it must be reminisced that Pakistan-China relations have always remained consistent since the independence of Pakistan. In 69 years of Pakistan-China friendship, not even once did China have any imperialist approach towards Pakistan. Pakistan, as an emerging economy, cannot suffer from the ills of imperialism and the state sovereignty cannot be challenged. Moreover, the government must put forward legislations for land acquisition in the regions of Pakistan, especially Balochistan. The legislations can protect the Baloch and secure the land of Pakistan.
