Since it was launched two years ago, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has sparked praise, skepticism, and even violence, resulting in widespread confusion about what’s driving this $55 billion energy and infrastructure effort, and how it will impact the region.
A new link in the North-South Transport Corridor connecting Russia, Iran, and India could have far-reaching implications for economic patterns between Europe and Asia.
Despite being characterized by high mountain ranges and desolate terrain, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has a rich history of civilizational exchanges. The region’s rugged topography has not stopped it from having strong linkages with the ancient Silk Road, whose southern branch connected the region with Xinjiang, China. In modern times, geostrategic interests and regional rivalries have transformed the region into a securitized zone. The de-facto Indo-Pak borders between Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh are dotted by flashpoints like Kargil (the site of 1999 Indo-Pak war) and Siachen (also the world’s highest battlefield). Today, GB once again finds itself at the intersection of a new Silk Road being paved by China.
Violent protests could derail India’s regional connectivity plans for years—a pause that India can’t afford.
Reconnecting Asia is tracking developments across a vast landmass that includes 60 percent of the global economy. Every day, new infrastructure projects are announced, some are advanced, and others encounter obstacles. Here is a selection of the top projects we’re watching in 2017.