The Indian media is buzzed with news reports these days that Pakistan is likely to be turned into a client state of China in the near future. On another note, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is being seen as a game changer in the region and lifeline of the Pakistan’s economy which will transfigure the lot the nation. An alleged report of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission has warned the nations over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s One Belt, One Road initiative, calling the large Chinese investments in Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and elsewhere as unsustainable. It says that $15 billion China-Uzbekistan investment agreement is equal to 25 percent of the Uzbek economy which could turn the country into a commercial colony. China has promised $37 billion investment in Kazakhstan, which is around 20 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. According to the Indian media, a debt trap is looming large for Sri Lanka which owes over $6 billion to the Chinese government and has a total debt of $60 billion on its shoulders. Pakistan is facing the same situation as $46 billion Chinese investment is one-fifth of the country’s GDP. The investment has been increased to $62 billion, covering various power and infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
China has planned $24 billion investment in Bangladesh which is a fifth of the country’s economy. No doubt all these countries are already facing huge debt burden and repayment problems. The Indian media is regarding Chinese investment as a trap to convert the whole region into client states. However, it is yet to be seen who is behind these kinds of reports, analysis and disinformation about the regional connectivity projects. With regard to Pakistan, the nation is hoping that the Chinese investment will open vistas of opportunities and other countries too will invest in Pakistan. However, the government should seriously work on the negative reports appearing in the Indian media about the Chinese investment plans and brief the nation on the issue. The world is turning into a global village and the age of colonialism is over. Now trade, business and investment are the important issues which must be dealt in proper manners.
The growth prospects of the Pakistan’s economy are bright and cooperation with China should be based on the principles of mutual respect and fair play. The Indian fears are apparently baseless, but there is a need to take the nation into confidence on the issue.
