Daily Hot Topic
Topic : China’s Ambitions for Pan-Asian Rail Network
GS-2 Mains : IR
China’s Ambitions for Pan-Asian Rail Network
In News
- China is looking to connect Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) with Laos and Thailand’s railway networks.
ECRL Project
- 665-km railway project in Malaysia connecting Kota Bharu on the east coast to Port Klang on the west coast.
- Seen as a major economic cooperation project between China and Malaysia.
- Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Will link cities, upgrade public transportation, and is expected to be completed by 2027.
- Faced funding issues and political obstacles before a renegotiated deal in 2020.
China’s Pan-Asian Rail Network ambitions
- China plans a comprehensive rail network across Southeast Asia as part of BRI.
- Routes include western, central, and eastern lines connecting China with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
- Aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic ties.
- Challenges include varying rail track widths, cost concerns, and project delays.
- As of 2021, only the Laos-China section is operational.
- Projects in Thailand face delays due to cost scrutiny and concerns over Chinese involvement.
Implications
- China has strong geographic, economic, and cultural ties in Southeast Asia.
- ECRL and the broader network highlight China’s regional ambitions.
- BRI reflects China’s strategy to extend influence through infrastructure investment.
Concerns
- Financial sustainability, economic benefits, technological compatibility, and geopolitical tensions are challenges.
- Some rail projects are criticized as “debt-trap diplomacy” burdening developing countries with unsustainable debt.
India’s Interests
- BRI allows China to expand influence in India’s neighborhood.
- BRI projects raise concerns about debt distress for developing countries.
- Increased Chinese presence in ASEAN can impact India’s economic interests and relationships with ASEAN countries.
- CPEC brings China closer to the Indian border in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Sir Creek area.
Way Forward for India
- Leverage India’s soft power through cultural and religious ties.
- Maintain a working relationship with China while taking a firm stance on BRI and border issues.
- Continue cooperation with Quad and strengthen relations with Russia for Eurasian projects.
- Expeditiously implement India’s Act East policy.
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