Resurgence/revival of the Ancient

Silk Route, alongside China's

ambitious BRI and CPEC.
 The Silk Road: A Renewed
Journey China's Belt and Road
Initiative and the Revival of Trade
Routes

The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that

connected East and West Asia for centuries. It facilitated
the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between
civilizations. Today, we're witnessing a resurgence of
interest in these historical trade routes, driven in part by
China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its
regional project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC). In this presentation, we'll explore the revival of
the Silk Road, the BRI's role in this process, and the
impact of CPEC on Pakistan.
The Historical
Silk Road

• A network of trade routes connecting East

and West Asia
• Flourished from 2nd century BCE to 15th
century CE
• Facilitated trade in goods like silk, spices,
and porcelain
• Promoted cultural exchange between
civilizations
2nd Century BCE - 1st Century CE 1st Century CE
1-Early Developments on the Silk Road (2nd Century Roman Empire becomes a major consumer of Chinese
BCE - 1st Century CE) silk.

2nd Century BCE: Han Dynasty in China opens trade

routes to Central Asia following expeditions by Zhang
Qian.

Parthian Empire in Persia facilitates trade between East

and West.

1st Century BCE - 1st Century CE

2-The Golden Age of the Silk Road (2nd Century CE - 8th Century CE)

• 2nd Century CE - 3rd Century CE: Rise of the Kushan Empire in

Central Asia further boosts trade.
• 6th Century CE: Sasanian Empire in Persia becomes a major power on the
Silk Road.
• 7th - 8th Century CE: Tang Dynasty in China ushers in a golden age of
cultural exchange and trade.
The Silk Road Under the Mongols (13th - 14th Century CE)
• 13th Century CE: Mongol Empire conquers vast territories,
unifying much of the Silk Road under one rule.
• Pax Mongolica ("Mongol Peace") creates a period of stability
and facilitates trade.
• Black Death: The Silk Road is believed to be a pathway for the
spread of the Black Death pandemic in Europe.
The Decline of the Silk Road (15th Century
CE - Onwards)
Multiple factors contributed to the decline of the Silk Road:
• Rise of Maritime Trade: European advancements in shipbuilding and navigation led to the
discovery of sea routes to Asia. These routes offered a faster and more efficient way to
transport goods, bypassing the Silk Road's overland network.
• Political Instability: The fragmentation of empires along the Silk Road, particularly the
decline of the Mongol Empire, led to political instability and insecurity for traders. This made
travel and trade more difficult and risky.
• The Black Death: The Black Death pandemic in the 14th century caused widespread death
and disruption, impacting trade and travel along the Silk Road.
From Decline to Revival:
A Shift in Trade Routes

• The decline of the Silk Road did not mark the

end of trade between East and West.
• European dominance in maritime trade led to a
shift in trade routes.
• Colonial empires established new trade networks.
• The 20th century saw advancements in
transportation technology further impacting
global trade patterns.
China's Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI)

• Launched by China in 2013

• Aims to create a modern Silk Road
network of land and sea routes
• Focuses on infrastructure development,
trade, and investment
• Aims to promote economic growth and
regional integration This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
The China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor
(CPEC)

• A key project under the BRI

• Aims to develop infrastructure projects in
Pakistan
• Includes transportation networks, energy projects,
and industrial zones
• Expected to boost Pakistan's economy and trade
with China
 Mao’s Reforms
The Mao Zedong reforms, also known as the Great Leap Forward, were a series of economic
and social reforms implemented in China between 1958 and 1961. However, these reforms
had a devastating impact on China, leading to widespread famine, economic collapse, and
millions of deaths.

These reforms aimed to transform China's economy from a planned economy to a market-
oriented economy, and they include:

1. Decentralization and devolution of decision-making power

2. Encouragement of foreign investment and trade
3. Development of special economic zones (SEZs)
4. Privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs)
5. Price liberalization and market-oriented reforms
6. Investment in human capital and education
7. Infrastructure development (transportation, energy,
telecommunications)
8. Promotion of innovation and technological advancement

These reforms have led to China's rapid economic

growth, making it the world's second-largest
economy. However, modern China still faces
challenges like income inequality, environmental
degradation, and social unrest, which require
continued reforms and development.
Statement by the Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA), India (2017):
The MEA has officially expressed concerns about CPEC, particularly its route
through the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which
India claims as its own territory. The MEA stated, "CPEC passes through a
territory that we see as our own. It is an integral part of India. We have
repeatedly expressed our concerns to China and Pakistan about this.”
Statement during the Raisina Dialogue (2017):

At the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent international conference held in New

Delhi, Indian officials reiterated their concerns about CPEC. They emphasized
the need for connectivity projects to respect the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of nations involved.
 India Concerns Regarding BRI
Disputed Territory: The CPEC runs through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK),
a region that India claims as part of its own territory. This area is known in
India as Jammu and Kashmir. By supporting and investing in the CPEC, China
is seen as implicitly endorsing Pakistan’s claim over this disputed region,
which undermines India's territorial claims and sovereignty.
Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor: The BCIM corridor aims to
connect China's Yunnan province with India’s northeastern states. India is
concerned that this project could increase China’s influence in its
northeastern region, which is already politically and economically sensitive.
Enhanced Chinese presence and influence could destabilize the region,
challenging India's sovereignty and control.
Security Concerns:
Increased Military Presence: China’s deployment of security personnel along the CPEC
route, along with Pakistan’s own security forces, raises significant security concerns for
India. The increased military presence in a disputed and sensitive region is seen as a
direct threat to India’s national security.

Security Threats: China's involvement in Pakistan, including potential military bases,

directly impacts India's security. If China establishes military facilities in Pakistan, it
poses a direct threat to India.
 Maritime Silk Road (MSR):
Strategic Encirclement: The MSR, part of the BRI, aims to enhance China's
presence in the Indian Ocean through the so-called ‘string of pearls strategy’.
This involves developing a network of commercial and military bases and
ports in countries surrounding India, such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the
Maldives. India perceives this as an attempt by China to encircle and contain
India strategically, which threatens its sovereignty and regional dominance.

Naval Power: China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region could
undermine India’s naval power and its ability to project influence and secure
its maritime boundaries.
India’s Natural Sphere of Influence
• China is investing heavily in India's neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka, and Pakistan. This increases China's political and economic influence in the
region, which India traditionally considers its own sphere of influence.

• Projects like the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, which China now controls due to Sri
Lanka's inability to repay Chinese loans, give China strategic footholds close to India.
This could be used for military purposes in the future, not just for economic gain.

• The increasing Chinese presence alters the balance of power in the region. It
diminishes India's influence and increases China's control over important infrastructure
and trade routes
Indo-Pacific Strategy

The Indo-Pacific Strategy is an international initiative aimed at ensuring that

the region remains free, open, and inclusive. It promotes principles such as
respect for sovereignty, international law, freedom of navigation, and open
trade. India supports this strategy to balance China's influence.
Also formed strategic partnerships with different countries like Australia,
Japan, US to counterbalance the influence of China
G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023

Additionally, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, India, along with the United
States and other partners, announced the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
This initiative aims to create a new trade route connecting India to Europe through the Middle East,
positioning it as a potential alternative to the BRI. The IMEC is seen as a strategic move to enhance
regional connectivity and economic integration, potentially diverting supply chains away from China
and bolstering India's strategic influence​(ABP Live)​.