The China Aspect

If we see it from an Indian perspective, China's strategy with relation to Gwadar is aimed at keeping its giant southern neighbour in check.

The advantages for China include access to port facilities for commercial and naval vessels near the oil-rich Gulf; and a new international trade route linking China's remote western regions to the ocean, via road and rail links through Pakistan.

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The port, located at a former fishing village called Gwadar, will also strengthen China's strategic influence with South Asian and Gulf countries.

"Chinese presence at Gwadar allows China to ensure the security of its energy-related shipments along existing routes," says Pakistani scholar Zia Haider.

"It could also monitor US naval activity in the Persian Gulf, Indian activity in the Arabian Sea, and future US-Indian maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean."

If we see it from an Indian perspective, China's strategy with relation to Gwadar is aimed at keeping its giant southern neighbour in check.