China faces security and economic risks at Gwadar Port

China continues to maintain a presence in Pakistan’s Balochistan province despite significant security and economic challenges. The China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have reaffirmed cooperation on livelihood recovery and sustainable development projects. A new agricultural restoration initiative aims to assist approximately 110,000 people across seven districts, contributing to a broader effort expected to reach over 300,000 people.

However, the viability of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its central hub, Gwadar Port, faces mounting risks. A report from the Lowy Institute suggests that China may eventually retreat from the port due to high operational costs and persistent security threats. Insurgent groups, such as the Baloch Liberation Army, have targeted Chinese infrastructure and personnel with suicide bombings and guerrilla ambushes. Additionally, the logistical difficulty of transporting goods through high-altitude regions prone to extreme weather and landslides complicates the corridor’s effectiveness as a maritime shortcut.