`Pak bridgehead for China to develop ties with Muslim world`

Beijing: Justifying China`s USD 6.5 billion loan to cash-strapped Pakistan for a nuclear power plant, the official media here today said the South Asian country formed a "bridgehead" for its ties with the Muslim world and key to combat terrorism. China National Nuclear Corporation will provide the loan to construct twin nuclear reactors in Karachi. Reactors are scheduled to be completed in 2019. "Beijing`s loan offer will help jolt Pakistan`s moribund economy to life as well as alleviate social unrest by creating jobs, promoting infrastructure and introducing advanced technologies," said an article in state-run Global Times.

Pakistan has long been plagued by a severe power shortage. The Pakistani government views nuclear energy development as a favourable long-term power plan, as its economy is at a critical growth stage, the report said. "From political and diplomatic perspectives, Pakistan serves as a bridgehead for China to further develop friendly ties with West Asian and North African nations as well as regions situated on the Indian Ocean," said the report. "It is no surprise that the nuclear power cooperation would cause unease from the US and India, who have cooperated on nuclear issues for several years. But the deal is a win-win situation that helps meet Pakistan`s energy demand and boost economic and social development while strengthening the bilateral ties," it said. Chinese assistance for the reactors in Karachi came under criticism from India and the US as the new plants were being constructed without the clearance from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The article said, "Pakistan`s economic growth and ensuing political and social stability will also be helpful to China." "A politically stable Pakistan will help ensure the safety of the world`s second largest economy, whose interests could otherwise fall victim to the terrorism rampant across West Asia," it said referring to unrest faced by China in Uygur Muslim majority Xinjiang province bordering PoK. Furthermore, the development of the Silk Road economic belt and the 21st century maritime Silk Road proposed by China will greatly benefit from China`s "intimate cooperation" with Pakistan as the traditional Silk Road passed through it. China`s assistance for the nuclear power project in Karachi will also help guarantee its own energy security as adjacent to the Persian Gulf, Pakistan serves as a mouth for China to import resources, notably petroleum and natural gas, from Iran and Iraq. China which plans to build a multi billion dollar economic corridor linking Xinjiang with Pakistan`s Gwadar port located close to Iran.