A critical analysis of Gwadar port in the changing maritime scenario

ABSTRACT

The port of Gwadar is the backbone of the CPEC project. This research posits the geo-economics and geopolitical significance of Gwadar port for China and Pakistan. A qualitative research approach is used to analyze Gwadar port in the changing maritime scenario. This research has adopted a unique geo-economics theory approach to comprehensively examine Gwadar port's significance in China and Pakistan's economic and political relations. The study is based on geopolitical, and economic determinants for the geo-economics, geopolitical, and maritime security significance of Gwadar port. Official reports and government documents are used for data analysis. The findings show that Gwadar port could be a solution to the economic security targets of China and Pakistan. China will gain economic, energy, and maritime security by finding an alternate, more secure route for the supply of oil and export of goods and better access to markets of Central Asia, Europe, and the USA. Moreover, Pakistan is expected to observe a significant rise in maritime trade capacity to support the dwindling economy.

KEYWORDS:

• Gwadar port
• Pakistan
• maritime security
• economic security
• geopolitics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zia Ur Rahman

Dr. Zia Ur Rahman has done his Ph.D. in Political Science from Jilin University, PR China. He has been awarded a fully-funded scholarship by the Government of China to pursue his Ph.D. study. He has been awarded the HEC-UNDP fellowship for one academic year. He has been engaged in teaching with the Higher Education Department, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. His area of research interest is South Asia, Tribal Areas (erstwhile FATA) of Pakistan, Security, Peace and Conflict, Governance, China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and Maritime Studies.

Muhammad Ishaq

Dr. Muhammad Ishaq has done his Ph.D. in International Relations from Wuhan University, PR China. He has been awarded a fully-funded scholarship by the Government of China to pursue his Ph.D. study. Beside this, he is working Assistant Professor at Kohsar University, Murree Pakistan. His area of research interest is China Pakistan Economic Corridor and Political Economy.

Muhammad Naeem

Mr. Muhammad Naeem has done his MA in International Relations from School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) Jilin University, PR China. He has been awarded a fully-funded scholarship by the Government of China to pursue his Master study. His area of research interest is China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Economic Governance, and Geopolitics and Geo-economic.