Construction of underground tunnels in PoK linking Pakistan and China.

The construction of these underground tunnels would provide round the year connectivity between Pakistan and China which earlier was not possible on account of heavy snowfall. It will not only boost trade between Pakistan and China, but more importantly provide China with a land route to access the Arabian Sea. Presently, China’s foreign trade with European nations and Africa is routed via the Magellan strait and South China Sea which if choked will have a devastating effect on China’s economy. Therefore, the construction of these underground tunnels and with investments in Gwadar port, China endeavours to safeguard it’s economic interests by protecting it’s trade routes. The construction of these tunnels will not only provide a shorter trade route between China and EU/Africa, but will also lower costs of transportation and make Chinese goods competitive in global economy.
In an earlier attempt, China entered into a pact with Myanmar to construct five oil pipelines linking China’s Yunan province with the ports of Myanmar, but the deal fell apart as America persuaded Myanmar with promises of aid and technology transfer. This made China desperate to search for another route as an alternative to the sea lanes of communication passing through Magellan Strait and disputed South China Sea which if choked by littoral nations with US backing would wreck havoc for the Chinese economy. Therefore, China, despite it’s neutral stance on the Kashmir dispute, decided to invest in the underground tunnel network so as to provide round the year connectivity between Pakistan’s Gwadar port and China’s South-western province.

Implications on India:
The construction of these tunnels in PoK as a part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), would enhance Chinese reliance on Pakistan and thus compel China to take Pakistan’s side against India at International forums.
The underground network of tunnels could be used by China and Pakistan to store arsenal against India move it across international borders without detection. In the past China has been accused of transferring nuclear missile technology to Pakistan.
On the flip side, the underground tunnel network would boost economic activity in Pakistan as well, which would hopefully provide meaningful employment opportunities to Pakistani youth and prevent radicalistaion.

By: Abhinav