by Usman Umer

When we review western academic literature about China's Belt and Road Initiative and China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road projects, we find an explicit ideological bias that tries to show these grand projects of economic development through the prism of political conspiracy. Whichever analytical angle is applied, the fact remains that examples of Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia and Philippine present an undeniable success stories of deep economic and strategic partnership between China and Southeast Asia. If facts and figures are seen without any political or ideological lens, the emerging picture reveals how China has provided such foundations to the whole region that are not only a means for economic progress but also guarantee regional peace and stability.

Chinese president Xi Jinping's speech to Indonesian Parliament in 2013, in which Xi presented the concept of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was a historic moment that mirrored China's peaceful developmentalism. Since then, China made direct investment of almost US $18.6 billion in Southeast Asia, a 72% increase only in 2022, which proves that the countries in the region believe that partnership and cooperation with China is beneficial to them. The countries that are working at this platform with China, their economic growth has significantly improved and the construction of infrastructure has increased their industrial capacities. Chinese investment of $7.3 billion in deep-water port of Kyaukpyu, Myanmar is a project that is important not only for China but a significant means for the economic development of Myanmar. This project connects Yunnan Province to Bay of Bengal and provides alternative routes for energy transportation thereby ensuring energy security in the region. To call it a debt trap is in fact to ignore the right to self-determination and the hope of progress of this region.

Similarly, Chinese investment of USD 600 million in Cambodian Sihanoukville International Port and for the upgradation of Ream Naval Base is an example of common defense cooperation on the reasonable request from the friendly nation. Cambodian constitution does not permit foreign military bases but defense cooperation and mutual exercises between friendly nations is the right of every sovereign state. China has made an investment of more than USD 12 billion in Cambodia that is a significant proportion of aggregate foreign investment in that country. Resultantly, Cambodia's annual economic growth has improved, poverty is alleviating and basic infrastructure is facilitating country's progress toward modern state. That is why, states like Cambodia support Chinese stance in ASEAN because they know who is participating in their real progress and who wants to play only political games.

Melaka Gateway project in Malaysia was initially started with USD 10.5 billion total Chinese investment but redesigning of this project by the sovereign Malaysian government on her own terms proves that that China does not impose her will onto others. China has always emphasized that all the projects will be according to the priorities and requirements of the host country. Malaysian example also tells us that host country's decision is more important in partnership under BRI. Beyond this, China has also initiated East Coast Rail Link project in Malaysia and such projects are playing crucial part in improving domestic connectivity in Malaysia. These projects announce China's determination that China does not work for her strategic interests alone.

Philippines case is more illustrative. Philippines adopted a unidirectional and aggressive policy against China under President Benigno Aquino III's regime. As a result of which, trade relations between the countries were negatively affected and Philippines suffered economic loss. But when China announced USD 24 billion investment package, President Rodrigo Duterte's government made a rational decision and preferred mutual interests. Accordingly, trade between both countries increased four times from 2016 to 2021 and Philippines started to achieve trade surplus with China. This again shows that cooperation with China brings economic prosperity for the partner countries, if mutual respect and negotiation are preferred instead of political aggression.

Now, if we proceed with these examples and look from Pakistan's perspective then the picture becomes brighter. CPEC is a flagship project of BRI that has changed Pakistan's economic geography. Gwadar was once a fishing village, now it has become a modern dee-water port that is an important trade route not only for Pakistan but also for the whole region. China has invested billions of dollars in Gwadar in energy, communication, health and education sectors and that have improved the lives of local population. This is the model that is being repeated by China in Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia and other countries. Western analysts call it a debt trap or strategic occupation but Pakistani public knows that CPEC has provided them employment opportunities, electricity and roads, and have sparked a hope for future.

The pivotal point of China's policy is that economic progress is the greatest guarantee for sustainable peace. When countries are connected through trade and investment, tensions at borders and tendencies of aggression are automatically minimized. That is why China supports the solution of problems of South China Sea through peaceful means so that regional peace is maintained. Multilateral forums such as ASEAN are important but when all the member countries are not on the same page, bilateral cooperation is the most efficient and immediately effective model. China has never imposed itself on other countries but always has openly offered a companionship in the journey of progress. This is why the countries of Southeast Asia do not feel any harm in establishing relations with China. China is practicing the model of mutual success. This is the new world order given by China and Pakistan is proud to be a pillar of it.