Pakistan hands management of strategic Gwadar port to China

[Bosonic]

Source: Reuters

China took over management on Monday of Pakistan's Gwadar port, en route to key Hormuz Straits oil shipping lanes, in a move which has prompted nerves in India about its fellow Asian giant's growing strategic clout.

China financed more than 80 percent of the $248 million development cost of the port on the Arabian Sea, as part of a plan to open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf, across Pakistan to western China.

When complete, the port could be used by the Chinese Navy, analysts say, and Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony told reporters on February 6 that Chinese control of the port was "a matter of concern."

Indian policy-makers are wary of a string of strategically located ports being built by Chinese companies in its neighborhood, as India beefs up its military clout to compete.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/18/us-pakistan-port-idUSBRE91H0IU20130218

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https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gwadar+port&ll=25.105497,62.347412&spn=8.082506,16.907959&oe=utf-&hq=Gwadar+port&t=m&z=7

[starroute]

1. China wants access to the Indian Ocean

I was reading about Gwadar a few years ago, when it was being built. China has long-range strategic interests in that area -- both for access to energy supplies and for trade. They see it as reconstituting the ancient Silk Route. And no doubt it also ties in with their growing investments in Africa.

The Chinese are playing chess, and are looking to control the board. Meanwhile, the US spreads itself thin trying to dominate everyplace at once.

[Igel]

3. Karakorum Hwy. Big porject a few years back. n/t

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. The map link was a good idea.

I know I am not the only one who pulls up a map in stories like this.
Very interesting game of Risk going on, it appears.