Tensions with India intensify as China invests billions in Pakistan's region of Kashmir

Pakistan and China have signed another agreement under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to build a hydropower project worth $1.5 billion at Azad Pattan in Kashmir. The project is part of China\\’s Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to connect Europe and Asia through efficient commercial routes.

Gezhouba Group, a Wuhan-based construction, and engineering company is responsible for the hydropower project\\’s construction. Once completed, the structure will add 700 MW of cheap and green power to the national grid.

Just last month, Pakistan, China, and the Kohala Hydropower Company (a subsidiary of China\\’s Three Gorges Corporation) had inked a historic tripartite agreement under CPEC, to build a hydropower project worth $2.4 Billion at Kohala in Kashmir. Once completed, the structure will add 1100 MW power to the national grid.

Such hydropower projects under the CPEC bear testimony to the long-established relationship between Pakistan and China. These initiatives highlight the federal government\\’s commitment to adopt clean and indigenous energy sources.

These projects came weeks after the Chinese Army killed 20 Indian soldiers, including several high-ranking officers, in a violent clash at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It is pertinent to mention that India has always been against the CPEC project initiatives in Azad Kashmir. The country claims that China should undertake no projects in a region contested by Pakistan and India.

Despite India\\’s claims, defense experts suggest increasing Chinese investment in Azad Kashmir. They effectively counter India\\’s stance regarding the CPEC project with a reality check that Pakistan and China\\’s collaboration will continue to prosper on good grounds in the coming years under it.

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