China rejects Pakistan's BRI proposal citing political instability and security: Report

China has reportedly declined Pakistan's proposal for fresh Belt and Road projects within its borders due to concerns surrounding political instability and deteriorating security conditions in Islamabad, according to a report by Nikkei Asia, a Japanese newspaper, which cited the minutes of a high-level meeting between the two countries.

According to the report, citing the officials who have reviewed the meeting minutes, the Chinese side turned down Pakistan's recommendations to introduce additional projects related to energy, climate change, electricity transmission lines, and tourism under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant component of the Belt and Road Initiative with an estimated worth of $50 billion.

China rejects Pak's proposal for fresh BRI projects

Furthermore, the minutes revealed that Beijing rejected Islamabad's proposal to construct a 500-kilovolt transmission line connecting the southern port of Gwadar, a focal point of Chinese infrastructure investment, to the national electricity grid in Karachi. However, China simultaneously pressed Pakistan to withdraw its objections to a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Gwadar, which Pakistan sought to relocate to a site where domestically sourced coal could be utilised.

The report indicated that the 11th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), the top decision-making body overseeing CPEC, took place in October of the preceding year. Nevertheless, the minutes were not formally signed until July.

The decision by China to decline Pakistan's proposals seems influenced by various factors, including the political turmoil within Pakistan since the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government in April 2022, which has led to multiple episodes of civil unrest. Additionally, in recent years, Chinese interests in Pakistan have been the target of militant attacks, including an ambush of engineers in August that was thwarted by security forces. The overall deteriorating security situation in Pakistan was underscored by a pair of deadly suicide bombings last week.

Notably, the rejection could hinder cash-strapped Pakistan's efforts to attract foreign investment and develop its infrastructure. Belt and Road projects are seen as a crucial part of Pakistan's economic growth strategy, and China's reluctance could slow down progress.