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BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

16th October, 2023

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Context

  • The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 6, 2023.

READ ALL ABOUT CHINA'S BRI: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/italy-to-walk-out-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative

BRI

  • The project was officially launched in 2013 in Kazakhstan.
  • It was initially called the One Belt One Road Project.
  • Often called a new "Silk Route", it consists of maritime corridors and shipping routes to connect China with crucial ports and cities in Asia and Europe.
  • Chinese construction companies are given contracts, which are funded by Chinese banks, for the development of ports and trains.

India’s Response to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative

  • India's position on the OBOR project has been more or less consistent since the initiative was first launched in 2013.
  • The government is of firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on
    • Universally recognized international norms,
    • Good governance,
    • Rule of law,
    • Openness,
    • Transparency and equality, and
    • Must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • The inclusion of the so‑called China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu & and Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Note: CPEC is a flagship project of OBOR reflects a lack of appreciation of India’s concerns on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

  • The government has conveyed to the Chinese side its concerns about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and asked them to cease these activities.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. China's Belt and Road Initiative is an embodiment of its debt-trap diplomacy. Also, it raises concerns about the financial sustainability of the projects along with the social and environmental impact of the infrastructure projects. Discuss.