As China and Pakistan work towards strengthening their economic ties under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China has recently shared several key proposals aimed at bolstering security cooperation between the two countries. Among the proposals are an anti-terrorism cooperation agreement and the formation of a joint security company. These initiatives signal Beijing’s renewed interest in ensuring the safety of CPEC projects and workers, particularly in light of the growing security challenges in the region.
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The proposals come as both nations gear up for the second phase of CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that seeks to enhance infrastructure, energy, and trade links between the two countries. With investments amounting to over $60 billion, CPEC is central to Pakistan’s economic growth strategy and a vital part of China’s broader ambitions in South Asia. However, security concerns, particularly in Pakistan’s volatile regions, have posed significant risks to the smooth implementation of CPEC projects.
The new security measures proposed by China underline the importance of safeguarding these projects from threats such as terrorism and insurgency while ensuring that economic cooperation continues without interruption.
The China-Pakistan Anti-Terrorism Cooperation Agreement
One of the most significant proposals put forward by China is the establishment of an anti-terrorism cooperation agreement. This proposed agreement would create a formal mechanism for both countries to work together more closely in combating terrorism, particularly in regions where CPEC infrastructure and personnel are most vulnerable to attacks.
For several years, CPEC projects have been targeted by various militant groups, particularly in Balochistan, where separatist insurgents have opposed the initiative. The region is home to critical infrastructure, including the Gwadar Port, which is a key part of the CPEC framework. Ensuring security in this region has been a top priority for both governments, especially given the growing threats posed by extremist groups.
Under the anti-terrorism agreement, China and Pakistan would enhance intelligence sharing, conduct joint counterterrorism exercises, and establish rapid-response units that can act quickly in the event of a terrorist attack on CPEC-related projects or personnel. This cooperative framework would also likely include capacity-building measures, where Chinese expertise in counterterrorism operations could be transferred to Pakistan’s security forces.
By sharing intelligence and resources, both countries aim to preempt and neutralize terrorist threats before they can disrupt CPEC activities. China’s proposal underscores its commitment to a long-term partnership with Pakistan, recognizing that economic growth and security go hand in hand.
A Joint Security Company for CPEC Protection
In addition to the anti-terrorism cooperation agreement, China has proposed the creation of a joint security company to safeguard CPEC projects. This company would likely be composed of personnel from both China and Pakistan, trained to provide comprehensive security for infrastructure projects, workers, and transport routes.
The rationale behind this proposal is to create a dedicated force with specialized training and equipment to protect the critical infrastructure that CPEC represents. While Pakistan’s military and police forces have been involved in protecting CPEC assets, the joint security company would bring an additional layer of expertise, specifically focused on the unique threats posed to international infrastructure projects.
China’s experience in protecting its overseas investments in regions like Africa and the Middle East could provide valuable insights into establishing this joint security company. The company would be responsible for securing not only the physical infrastructure but also the thousands of Chinese workers who are employed on CPEC projects across Pakistan.
Additionally, the joint security company would facilitate coordination between the two nations’ security agencies, allowing for faster response times in emergencies. The move could also help in standardizing security protocols across CPEC projects, ensuring that a consistent level of protection is maintained throughout the corridor, from Gwadar in the south to the northern regions near the Chinese border.
Strategic Importance of Security in CPEC Phase II
The second phase of CPEC is expected to focus on industrial cooperation, agricultural modernization, science and technology collaboration, and socio-economic development. While Phase I largely involved the development of infrastructure, including roads, railways, and energy projects, Phase II aims to foster sustainable growth by establishing special economic zones (SEZs), promoting industrialization, and enhancing bilateral trade.
However, with these ambitions come greater security challenges, particularly as CPEC projects expand into more remote and less stable areas of Pakistan. The expansion into areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant groups and insurgent activities are more prevalent, necessitates a more robust security framework.
China’s proposals for enhanced security cooperation are reflective of its understanding of the evolving security landscape. By preemptively addressing security concerns, Beijing hopes to avoid the kinds of disruptions that have occasionally plagued CPEC projects in the past.
The safety of Chinese workers has been a particularly sensitive issue. In 2021, several Chinese engineers working on a dam project in northern Pakistan were killed in a bus explosion, which was later attributed to a terrorist attack. Incidents like these have heightened the urgency for stronger security measures, as China seeks to protect its nationals and investments abroad.
Pakistan’s Response and Security Commitments
Pakistan, for its part, has consistently pledged to protect CPEC projects and Chinese workers. The country has already deployed thousands of troops through its Special Security Division (SSD), a dedicated military force tasked with safeguarding CPEC-related assets. However, with the increasing complexity and scope of CPEC Phase II, additional measures may be necessary to ensure comprehensive security.
Islamabad has welcomed China’s proposals, recognizing that they will bolster Pakistan’s own security apparatus and provide valuable resources in countering threats. Strengthening anti-terrorism collaboration and establishing a joint security company are seen as positive steps towards ensuring that CPEC can progress without major security disruptions.
Pakistan’s government is also keen to highlight that CPEC is critical not just for Pakistan’s economy, but for the broader region. Any threats to CPEC are seen as threats to regional stability, making enhanced security cooperation a priority for Islamabad.
Regional Implications
China’s proposals for deeper security cooperation with Pakistan under CPEC also carry broader regional implications. The success of CPEC is seen as integral to the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to expand China’s global influence through infrastructure development and trade. Ensuring the security of CPEC is therefore a strategic priority for Beijing, as it serves as a critical link between China and the broader Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Moreover, the enhanced security measures could signal a shift in how China approaches security for its overseas projects. By working more closely with local governments, China may be looking to establish a model for protecting its investments in other regions where instability poses a threat to its economic ambitions.
At the same time, the deepening of security ties between China and Pakistan could cause concern for other regional players, particularly India, which has expressed reservations about CPEC’s route through the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan. As China and Pakistan move closer in both economic and security cooperation, these developments may have implications for regional dynamics in South Asia.
Conclusion: Strengthening the CPEC Partnership
China’s latest proposals for anti-terrorism cooperation and the establishment of a joint security company highlight the growing recognition of the importance of security in ensuring the success of CPEC Phase II. As the two nations deepen their economic ties, these security measures will play a crucial role in safeguarding the corridor and the significant investments it represents.
The proposals reflect China’s commitment to a long-term partnership with Pakistan and underscore the importance of creating a stable environment for economic growth. As both countries navigate the challenges ahead, enhanced security cooperation will be key to realizing the full potential of CPEC and ensuring that it continues to be a driver of regional development.
