Describe briefly China's 'One Belt One Road (OBOR)' Initiative and analyze India's major concerns. (UPSC CSE Mains 2019 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2).
The Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), formerly known as One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the China in 2013 to invest in nearly 150 countries and international organizations.
Aim of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Build a trade, investment, and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.
- New Silk Road Economic Belt: It encompasses trade and investment hubs to the north of China; by reaching out to Eurasia including a link via Myanmar to India.
- Maritime Silk Road: It begins via the South China Sea going towards Indo-China, South-East Asia and then around the Indian Ocean thus reaching Africa and Europe.
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): It is a 3,000-km long route of infrastructure projects connecting China’s northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Gwadar Port in the western province of Baluchistan in Pakistan.
Significance of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was meant to announce China’s arrival on the world stage as a true global economic power.
- It will develop new markets for China’s massive manufacturing sector.
- It will put forward China as a maritime power in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.
- Promotion of Chinese-led financial institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
- Development of poorer western provinces of China, especially Xinjiang.
- Access to European markets for Chinese goods.
- Creation of an energy route from the Middle East and Africa to reduce dependence on choke points like Strait of Hormuz.
Implications for India
- Violation of India’s Sovereignty. The CPEC violates Indian territorial integrity as it passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
- Militarization of India’s Neighbourhood: India’s strategic and national interests are closely linked to peace and stability in the lOR (Indian Ocean Region). However, IOR is witnessing unprecedented militarization due to Chinese support in the form of military technology, fighter aircraft, warships and submarines.
- BCIM-EC and North East India. India is also sensitive to the possible security concerns arising out of linking its restive North East to the Yunnan province of China through the BCIM-EC.
- The Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) is proposed as part of BRI in 2015.
- Security Challenge to India and Indian Shipping: The BRI and CPEC will likely lead to increased shipping congestion in the lOR, thereby posing security challenge to India, Indian shipping and complicating its Maritime Domain Awareness.
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