Changes

In 1950, Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the Communist [[China]] (PRC). Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan's relations with China became stronger; since then, the countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in various agreements. China has provided economic, military, and technical assistance to Pakistan. Favorable relations with China have been a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy. The PRC strongly supported Pakistan's opposition to Soviet involvement in Afghanistan and is perceived by Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India and Russia.

In 1950, Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the Communist [[China]] (PRC). Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan's relations with China became stronger; since then, the countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in various agreements. China has provided economic, military, and technical assistance to Pakistan. Favorable relations with China have been a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy. The PRC strongly supported Pakistan's opposition to Soviet involvement in Afghanistan and is perceived by Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India and Russia.

The port at Gwadar is a key part of China’s [[Belt and Road Initiative]].  It’s part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor—or CPEC.  It aims to give China access to the Indian Ocean.  An official CPEC roadway and energy pipeline shows plans to link Gwadar with China’s [[Xinjiang]] Autonomous region.  A 2020 US Naval War College study however says, Chinese analysts have come to view the plan as not viable.  According to reports, “Shipping and industrial activity at the port are negligible. And for the vast majority of Gwadar’s residents, conditions are unchanged or worse.”  China’s fishing trawler fleet has devastated the ocean and forced local fishermen out.  And many of the promised benefits from the CPEC have not happened.  Major projects—including a vocational training center, medical hospital, and desalination plant—have either been delayed, scaled-down, or dropped.  Large scale protests among the local population erupted.

The port at Gwadar on the Indian Ocean in the disputed territory of Balochistan is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative.  It’s part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor—or CPEC.  It aims to give China access to the Indian Ocean.  An official CPEC roadway and energy pipeline shows plans to link Gwadar with China’s [[Xinjiang]] Autonomous region.  A 2020 US Naval War College study however says, Chinese analysts have come to view the plan as not viable.  According to reports, “Shipping and industrial activity at the port are negligible. And for the vast majority of Gwadar’s residents, conditions are unchanged or worse.”  China’s fishing trawler fleet has devastated the ocean and forced local fishermen out.  And many of the promised benefits from the CPEC have not happened.  Major projects—including a vocational training center, medical hospital, and desalination plant—have either been delayed, scaled-down, or dropped.  Large scale protests among the local population erupted.

====Iran and the Persian Gulf====

====Iran and the Persian Gulf====