China in SAARC Threatens India’s Dominance

The famous China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is touted as a ‘flagship project‘ of the One Belt, One Road plan. Project aims at providing a link between the overland Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road (through Gwadar Port). It is estimated that the investment envisaged under the CPEC project could make China one of the leading investors in Pakistan, accounting for about 20% of Pakistan’s GDP.

It also offers China greater connectivity to the Indian Ocean region and beyond through Pakistan.

China’s influence can be witnessed even in India’s most-friendly eastern neighbor, Nepal. Recently, China has been investing heavily to enhance strategic ties with Nepal; it has opened Kyirong land-port between Tibet and Nepal which is bound to affect the regional strategic balance.

China seems to be silently playing its cards to influence the geopolitical environment of South Asia. Silent moves, though, are now growing into powerful voices seeking and demanding full SAARC membership for China.

China entered SAARC as an observer in 2005, supported by most member states; observer states collaborate with SAARC members on specific initiatives, but do not have voting rights.

However, as recently as November 2014 during the SAARC summit in Nepal, China expressed its interest in joining the regional bloc as a full-member state. Pakistan has been batting vociferously for China’s full-membership as well.

China’s entry into SAARC

China’s entry can give a much needed push to the regional bloc as its global economic influence can strengthen the region’s positioning at international forums; China can also help fulfill investment needs of member-states. Yet, China’s inclusion in SAARC might develop a strong Pakistan-China alliance which may work against India. China, as a full-member in SAARC, may also veto important decisions that hamper the region’s progress.