Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

Through CPEC ports, China has invested millions in the Gwadar port;&nbsp;a gateway to China’s trade ambitions. Though it is believed to be a rich fishing ground, according to local fishermen the area has witnessed a sharp decline in the amount of catch, more so because of the Chinese trawlers.

The trawler fleet consists of ‘factory ships’ which process and package fish for sale in international markets, thereby depriving local fishermen of their livelihoods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-fishermen-have-deep-reservations-about-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-rights-body-11168">Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body</a>

Aziz Singhoor, a senior commentator for the Pakistani daily `Roznama Azadi`, has exposed the issuance of licenses by these Chinese ships. Though the Pakistan government has denied this, the Roznama Azadi newspaper and Singhoor are adamant on their stand.

According to Azadi News, at least 2 million people are connected to the fishing business in Gwadar. Their livelihoods depend on day-to-day fishing.

But due to the interference of these factory ships lakhs of local fishermen have been brought to the verge of unemployment, with several families expected to be grossly affected.

The presence of Chinese ships in that area is not only complicating the distribution of fish catches for Pakistani local fishermen but according to activists, they are also threatening the survival of fishermen from the Philippines.

According to a report by DW Newsagency, Members of BIGKIS, a collective of fishermen from the northern fishing provinces of Zambales and Pangasinan, has&nbsp;said that the presence of Chinese boats in the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is hampering their fishing activities.

With the Chinese fleets of government-subsidised ships straying into distant waters searching for seafood and the continuously increasing influence yielded by China, this has also become a common point of concern for Hawaii’s commercial fishermen and the US military.

(With inputs from agencies)

Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Through CPEC ports, China has invested millions in the Gwadar port; a gateway to China’s trade ambitions.

Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Through CPEC ports, China has invested millions in the Gwadar port; a gateway to China’s trade ambitions. Though it is believed to be a rich fishing ground, according to local fishermen the area has witnessed a sharp decline in the amount of catch, more so because of the Chinese trawlers. The trawler fleet consists of ‘factory ships’ which process and package fish for sale in international markets, thereby depriving local fishermen of their livelihoods. Also read | Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body Aziz Singhoor, a senior commentator for the Pakistani daily `Roznama Azadi`, has exposed the issuance of licenses by these Chinese ships. Though the Pakistan government has denied this, the Roznama Azadi newspaper and Singhoor are adamant on their stand. According to Azadi News, at least 2 million people are connected to the fishing business in Gwadar. Their livelihoods depend on day-to-day fishing. But due to the interference of these factory ships lakhs of local fishermen have been brought to the verge of unemployment, with several families expected to be grossly affected. The presence of Chinese ships in that area is not only complicating the distribution of fish catches for Pakistani local fishermen but according to activists, they are also threatening the survival of fishermen from the Philippines. According to a report by DW Newsagency, Members of BIGKIS, a collective of fishermen from the northern fishing provinces of Zambales and Pangasinan, has said that the presence of Chinese boats in the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is hampering their fishing activities. With the Chinese fleets of government-subsidised ships straying into distant waters searching for seafood and the continuously increasing influence yielded by China, this has also become a common point of concern for Hawaii’s commercial fishermen and the US military. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese 'Factory ship' trawlers pose a threat to Pakistan's local fishermen

The China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) for China is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, For Pakistan&nbsp;it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

For the last six months, the multi-billion dollar project has been both a source of interest and concern even as there has been a global debate over its potential and problems.

Lieutenant colonel Imran Qasim, a Pakistani army officer in charge of the 27th wing of Pakistan army's special security division operates from Bahawalpur - a city in Pakistan's Punjab province. Recently, the colonel wrote a letter to his seniors which has now been leaked. The letter talked about a scuffle between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-beat-up-pakistanis-saudi-shuts-oil-tap-319579/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per the letter, the incident occurred on July 21. A protection party of six Pakistan army soldiers was tasked to look after the security of four Chinese labourers. The group also comprised two Chinese civilians. The team was working on CPEC's mainline that links Karachi and Peshawar. The leader of the team insisted on moving to the next project site and leaving one &nbsp;Chinese labourer behind but he couldn't quite convince Pakistan soldiers who weren't too keen on leaving the Chinese worker alone.

As per the letter, there was no translator present so the Pakistan army representative, havaldar Asad Ullah decided to call the military camp to obtain an approval but before he could make the call the havaldar was assaulted. He was hit on the head twice and within a matter of time the other Chinese labourers joined in and an-all out scuffle broke out.

The entire episode was detailed in the letter by colonel Imran Qasim but the letter and the entire incident was brushed below the carpet. The army high command ordered the soldiers to disengage and to avoid any such physical altercations in the future because the Pakistan army have been instructed not to confront the Chinese in any manner no matter how serious the level of escalation and no matter the reckless behaviour of Chinese workers.

In fact, a video from 2018 shows Chinese engineers thrashing Pakistani policemen. The cause of the scuffle is somewhat similar. The engineers were barred from leaving their camps without a security squad and they decided to ask why not through a fist-fight.

The Chinese engineer decided to stand on the bonnet of a police vehicle printed with the flag of Pakistan. The image depicts the reality of CPEC more than words ever could.

Most of the CPEC workers based in Pakistan belong to the Chinese military in one way or the other. They are trained in martial arts and weapon handling. It probably explains why they can't restrain themselves from a clash.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has turned off the oil tap for Pakistan. Riyadh has halted the provision of "oil on loan" for Islamabad. In 2018, Pakistan had borrowed $6.2 billion in loan from Saudi Arabia out of this $3 billion was debt relief in the form of cash and the remaining $3.2 billion was the worth of oil Riyadh had decided to provide Islamabad annually.

The provision expired two months ago and Saudi Arabia hasn't renewed it, instead, it has forced Pakistan to pay $1 billion from the cash loan it had secured.

Clearly, the sheikhdom is quite miffed with the Pakistan PM and his endless obsession with Kashmir but Imran Khan is the very substitute of the word adamant and he has realised that the Arabs won't do his bidding at global platforms, so, he is turning to the wannabe torch-bearer of the Islamic world.

Turkey, Islamabad and Ankara are strengthening their strategic cooperation and coordinating diplomatically on global platforms. Pakistan has managed to secure a visit by the president-elect of the UN general assembly ambassador Volkan Bozkir. He landed in Islamabad earlier and was received by the Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Ambassador Bozkir later sat down for extensive talks with Pak foreign ministry officials and then he even called upon the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to the Pak foreign ministry, Imran Khan apprised the to-be UNGA chief about the "serious situation of Kashmir", an issue that was on agenda of the UN security council for over seven decades.

The president-elect of the UN General Assembly happens to be from Turkey. He was born in Turkey, raised in Turkey and has served the Turkish government as a diplomat and negotiator. He is now going to be the president of the 75th General Assembly of the United Nations and he is currently in Pakistan.

The China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) for China is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, For Pakistan it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

The China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) for China is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, For Pakistan it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation. For the last six months, the multi-billion dollar project has been both a source of interest and concern even as there has been a global debate over its potential and problems. Lieutenant colonel Imran Qasim, a Pakistani army officer in charge of the 27th wing of Pakistan army's special security division operates from Bahawalpur - a city in Pakistan's Punjab province. Recently, the colonel wrote a letter to his seniors which has now been leaked. The letter talked about a scuffle between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers. As per the letter, the incident occurred on July 21. A protection party of six Pakistan army soldiers was tasked to look after the security of four Chinese labourers. The group also comprised two Chinese civilians. The team was working on CPEC's mainline that links Karachi and Peshawar. The leader of the team insisted on moving to the next project site and leaving one Chinese labourer behind but he couldn't quite convince Pakistan soldiers who weren't too keen on leaving the Chinese worker alone. As per the letter, there was no translator present so the Pakistan army representative, havaldar Asad Ullah decided to call the military camp to obtain an approval but before he could make the call the havaldar was assaulted. He was hit on the head twice and within a matter of time the other Chinese labourers joined in and an-all out scuffle broke out. The entire episode was detailed in the letter by colonel Imran Qasim but the letter and the entire incident was brushed below the carpet. The army high command ordered the soldiers to disengage and to avoid any such physical altercations in the future because the Pakistan army have been instructed not to confront the Chinese in any manner no matter how serious the level of escalation and no matter the reckless behaviour of Chinese workers. In fact, a video from 2018 shows Chinese engineers thrashing Pakistani policemen. The cause of the scuffle is somewhat similar. The engineers were barred from leaving their camps without a security squad and they decided to ask why not through a fist-fight. The Chinese engineer decided to stand on the bonnet of a police vehicle printed with the flag of Pakistan. The image depicts the reality of CPEC more than words ever could. Most of the CPEC workers based in Pakistan belong to the Chinese military in one way or the other. They are trained in martial arts and weapon handling. It probably explains why they can't restrain themselves from a clash. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has turned off the oil tap for Pakistan. Riyadh has halted the provision of "oil on loan" for Islamabad. In 2018, Pakistan had borrowed $6.2 billion in loan from Saudi Arabia out of this $3 billion was debt relief in the form of cash and the remaining $3.2 billion was the worth of oil Riyadh had decided to provide Islamabad annually. The provision expired two months ago and Saudi Arabia hasn't renewed it, instead, it has forced Pakistan to pay $1 billion from the cash loan it had secured. Clearly, the sheikhdom is quite miffed with the Pakistan PM and his endless obsession with Kashmir but Imran Khan is the very substitute of the word adamant and he has realised that the Arabs won't do his bidding at global platforms, so, he is turning to the wannabe torch-bearer of the Islamic world. Turkey, Islamabad and Ankara are strengthening their strategic cooperation and coordinating diplomatically on global platforms. Pakistan has managed to secure a visit by the president-elect of the UN general assembly ambassador Volkan Bozkir. He landed in Islamabad earlier and was received by the Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Ambassador Bozkir later sat down for extensive talks with Pak foreign ministry officials and then he even called upon the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to the Pak foreign ministry, Imran Khan apprised the to-be UNGA chief about the "serious situation of Kashmir", an issue that was on agenda of the UN security council for over seven decades. The president-elect of the UN General Assembly happens to be from Turkey. He was born in Turkey, raised in Turkey and has served the Turkish government as a diplomat and negotiator. He is now going to be the president of the 75th General Assembly of the United Nations and he is currently in Pakistan.

Chinese labourers beat up Pakistan soldiers as Saudi Arabia shuts oil tap

The mega Chinese infrastructure project - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through the length of Pakistan, other than saddling Islamabad with debt has other issues now--corruption and scuffles between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers.

One such incident which occurred on July 21 has come to light in which physical altercation took place between Chinese labourers and Pakistan protection party working on CPEC's Main Line -1 (ML-1) Karachi-Peshawar project.

The incident took place in Pakistan's most populated Punjab Province's Bahawalpur District between 6.30 am to 6.45 am. Details of the incident have been mentioned in a letter from Lt Col Imran Qasim, commanding officer 27 Wing of Special Security Division (SSD) based at Bahawalpur to HQ 341 Light Commando Brigade.

To provide protection to Chinese workers, Pakistan has been providing "protection party" and in this case six Pak army personnel from 341 Light Commando Brigade led by Havaldar Asad Ullah were provided to protect four Chinese labourers namely Li Yuyun, Li Yujun, Li Guoying and Bu Lei. In all the group had twelve people, including two Chinese civilians and one Pakistani army vehicle.

The work was to be done at two sites: Tower G-1526 &amp; Tower G-1523. The Chinese group was led by Li Yuyun who insisted on moving to G-1523 with the entire group, leaving only one Chinese labourer at G-1526.&nbsp;

Havaldar Asad Ullah suggested an additional soldier and a Chinese vehicle should be left with the one Chinese labourer. While Asad wanted to clarify the issue with his seniors due to language problem, he was assaulted by Li Yuyun by hitting on his head twice. This made other Pakistani soldiers angry with Sapper Fazal ur Rehman come to the rescue of Asad before he was also attacked by other Chinese workers.

When the matter was reported to Camp commandant Maj Shehzad, who asked his soldiers to not confront with Chinese and the matter was quietly hushed up.&nbsp;

In the current incident, Lt Col Imran Qasim, Commanding officer of 27 Special Security Division has been involved in making money, by providing local labourers to Chinese contractors via proxy. The officer is involved in the embezzlement of tens of lakhs Pakistani rupees. &nbsp;Maj Shehzad's lack of proactive action against the Chinese is believed to be under the direction of Lt Col Imran Qasim who is part of money-making in the project.

Such incidents have become symptomatic of the CPEC, with kickbacks helping Pakistani officers to be quite of any trouble being faced by the rank and file. A committee announced by Pakistani govt to look into the country's power sector where Chinese companies are heavily involved showed how the number of officials in the country are benefiting from it. The Chinese companies providing supplies at inflated prices was one of the key focus areas of the report. The report has been kept away from public scrutiny.

The mega Chinese infrastructure project - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through the length of Pakistan, other than saddling Islamabad with debt has other issues now--corruption and scuffles between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers.

The mega Chinese infrastructure project - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through the length of Pakistan, other than saddling Islamabad with debt has other issues now--corruption and scuffles between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers. One such incident which occurred on July 21 has come to light in which physical altercation took place between Chinese labourers and Pakistan protection party working on CPEC's Main Line -1 (ML-1) Karachi-Peshawar project. The incident took place in Pakistan's most populated Punjab Province's Bahawalpur District between 6.30 am to 6.45 am. Details of the incident have been mentioned in a letter from Lt Col Imran Qasim, commanding officer 27 Wing of Special Security Division (SSD) based at Bahawalpur to HQ 341 Light Commando Brigade. To provide protection to Chinese workers, Pakistan has been providing "protection party" and in this case six Pak army personnel from 341 Light Commando Brigade led by Havaldar Asad Ullah were provided to protect four Chinese labourers namely Li Yuyun, Li Yujun, Li Guoying and Bu Lei. In all the group had twelve people, including two Chinese civilians and one Pakistani army vehicle. The work was to be done at two sites: Tower G-1526 & Tower G-1523. The Chinese group was led by Li Yuyun who insisted on moving to G-1523 with the entire group, leaving only one Chinese labourer at G-1526. Havaldar Asad Ullah suggested an additional soldier and a Chinese vehicle should be left with the one Chinese labourer. While Asad wanted to clarify the issue with his seniors due to language problem, he was assaulted by Li Yuyun by hitting on his head twice. This made other Pakistani soldiers angry with Sapper Fazal ur Rehman come to the rescue of Asad before he was also attacked by other Chinese workers. When the matter was reported to Camp commandant Maj Shehzad, who asked his soldiers to not confront with Chinese and the matter was quietly hushed up. In the current incident, Lt Col Imran Qasim, Commanding officer of 27 Special Security Division has been involved in making money, by providing local labourers to Chinese contractors via proxy. The officer is involved in the embezzlement of tens of lakhs Pakistani rupees. Maj Shehzad's lack of proactive action against the Chinese is believed to be under the direction of Lt Col Imran Qasim who is part of money-making in the project. Such incidents have become symptomatic of the CPEC, with kickbacks helping Pakistani officers to be quite of any trouble being faced by the rank and file. A committee announced by Pakistani govt to look into the country's power sector where Chinese companies are heavily involved showed how the number of officials in the country are benefiting from it. The Chinese companies providing supplies at inflated prices was one of the key focus areas of the report. The report has been kept away from public scrutiny.

China-Pak economic corridor's other side: Corruption, scuffles between Chinese workers & Pak soldiers

Amid rising coronavirus cases and a crippling economy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed that his government will complete the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project "at any cost".

The project, which is a USD 60 billion project is being seen as a manifestation of the all-weather friendship between the two Asian countries, Pakistan and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-enormous-ambition-is-leading-his-country-to-ruin-310580">Also read:&nbsp;Xi Jinping's enormous ambition is leading his country to ruin</a>

Imran Khan believes this project is an important step in the socio-economic development and the "gigantic multi-faceted initiative would guarantee a bright future for the nation", he said in CPEC review meeting.

"The corridor is a manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship and the government will complete it at any cost and bring its fruit to every Pakistani," Khan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-guilty-of-forced-labour-under-horrendous-conditions-on-bri-project-us-report-308661">Also read:&nbsp;China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report</a>

While praising the efforts of the ongoing developments of the project, he urged the officials and workers to increase the productivity of the project.

The comments has come a day after the Chinese Foriegn Minister Wang Yi discussed the developments of the CPEC projects with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a phone conversation.

The CPEC will connect Pakistan's&nbsp;Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, and is one of the first projects under Pakistan's&nbsp;Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China's BRI has been under the magnifying glass of criticism as experts and country leaders feel that this is a way of China expanding it;s control over foreign lands, and this way China is reeling&nbsp;smaller countries under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease.

Amid rising coronavirus cases and a crippling economy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed that his government will complete the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project "at any cost".

Amid rising coronavirus cases and a crippling economy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed that his government will complete the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project "at any cost". The project, which is a USD 60 billion project is being seen as a manifestation of the all-weather friendship between the two Asian countries, Pakistan and China. Also read: Xi Jinping's enormous ambition is leading his country to ruin Imran Khan believes this project is an important step in the socio-economic development and the "gigantic multi-faceted initiative would guarantee a bright future for the nation", he said in CPEC review meeting. "The corridor is a manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship and the government will complete it at any cost and bring its fruit to every Pakistani," Khan said. Also read: China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report While praising the efforts of the ongoing developments of the project, he urged the officials and workers to increase the productivity of the project. The comments has come a day after the Chinese Foriegn Minister Wang Yi discussed the developments of the CPEC projects with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a phone conversation. The CPEC will connect Pakistan's Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, and is one of the first projects under Pakistan's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China's BRI has been under the magnifying glass of criticism as experts and country leaders feel that this is a way of China expanding it;s control over foreign lands, and this way China is reeling smaller countries under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease.

Imran Khan vows to finish CPEC corridor 'at any cost' amid rising domestic issues

America's top diplomat in South Asia Alice Wells just stopped short of calling China a loan shark today. In a message to China, the US said take some pity on Pakistan and, stop the "unfair and predatory" lending.

America has criticised China of crippling Pakistan with multi-billion dollar loans which would keep Pakistan in servitude to China not for years, but for decades.

The corruption-shrouded China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) has become a big flashpoint.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-clash-over-paks-debt-crisis-300494/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Alice Wells, the United States' point person in South Asia enumerated America's concerns over the CPEC connected projects.

Firstly, there is no transparency as it is the case with China's shenanigans, secondly, unfair profits to Chinese firms. Recently, Chinese power companies scammed Pakistan of&nbsp;$680 million. Chinese investments under CPEC is valued at over $60 billion.

It is not the first time Alice Wells has warned that China's friendly loans to Pakistan are a debt-trap. In four to six years when the repayments for these loans begin, Pakistan may have to empty its coffers each time an interest payment is due to China.

Pakistan will not able to help itself, so, Alice Wells said China must either waive debt or renegotiate the loans and&nbsp;create a fair and transparent deal for the Pakistan&nbsp;people.

However, it seems Pakistan and China have written a response together to the criticisms over a con-call.

Both countries said it is an "all-weather friendship", the timing is just right with the two countries celebrating the anniversary of 69 years of friendship.

From Pakistan's standpoint, Alice Wells' comments on Pakistan's debt obligations are contrary to the facts. Pakistan claims that total public debt relating to CPEC projects is less than even 10 per cent of the total debt.

It comes with a maturity period of 20 years meaning there is&nbsp;no need to payback China right away. Pakistan was quick to reiterate the terms of the deal perhaps, it is too big a burden to talk about in public and the US is too big a power to offend.

On the other hand, China's response was characteristic -&nbsp;it called Alice Wells irresponsible, her speech totally baseless and just a repetition of her same old tune&nbsp;after that followed the mention of the "all-weather relationship" with Pakistan.&nbsp;

In its defence, China said it will never force Pakistan to pay back the debts and China’s loans have no strings attached.

Recently, the G20 members had adopted a debt service suspension initiative for the poorest countries, China says it supported Pakistan to be included and is ready to provide relief, then, China listed its contribution in helping Pakistan.

The release said since its implementation, the CPEC has brought $25 billion in direct investment&nbsp;and created more than 75,000 jobs for Pakistan. China has been the major source of FDI for Pakistan in the past five consecutive years. It indirectly accused America of not doing enough to help Pakistan.

The US foreign direct investment was just over $1 billion dollars between 2012 and 2019. In the end, China said we need no teachers, especially a teacher like the USA.

America's top diplomat in South Asia Alice Wells just stopped short of calling China a loan shark today. In a message to China, the US said take some pity on Pakistan and, stop the "unfair and predatory" lending.

America's top diplomat in South Asia Alice Wells just stopped short of calling China a loan shark today. In a message to China, the US said take some pity on Pakistan and, stop the "unfair and predatory" lending. America has criticised China of crippling Pakistan with multi-billion dollar loans which would keep Pakistan in servitude to China not for years, but for decades. The corruption-shrouded China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) has become a big flashpoint. Alice Wells, the United States' point person in South Asia enumerated America's concerns over the CPEC connected projects. Firstly, there is no transparency as it is the case with China's shenanigans, secondly, unfair profits to Chinese firms. Recently, Chinese power companies scammed Pakistan of $680 million. Chinese investments under CPEC is valued at over $60 billion. It is not the first time Alice Wells has warned that China's friendly loans to Pakistan are a debt-trap. In four to six years when the repayments for these loans begin, Pakistan may have to empty its coffers each time an interest payment is due to China. Pakistan will not able to help itself, so, Alice Wells said China must either waive debt or renegotiate the loans and create a fair and transparent deal for the Pakistan people. However, it seems Pakistan and China have written a response together to the criticisms over a con-call. Both countries said it is an "all-weather friendship", the timing is just right with the two countries celebrating the anniversary of 69 years of friendship. From Pakistan's standpoint, Alice Wells' comments on Pakistan's debt obligations are contrary to the facts. Pakistan claims that total public debt relating to CPEC projects is less than even 10 per cent of the total debt. It comes with a maturity period of 20 years meaning there is no need to payback China right away. Pakistan was quick to reiterate the terms of the deal perhaps, it is too big a burden to talk about in public and the US is too big a power to offend. On the other hand, China's response was characteristic - it called Alice Wells irresponsible, her speech totally baseless and just a repetition of her same old tune after that followed the mention of the "all-weather relationship" with Pakistan. In its defence, China said it will never force Pakistan to pay back the debts and China’s loans have no strings attached. Recently, the G20 members had adopted a debt service suspension initiative for the poorest countries, China says it supported Pakistan to be included and is ready to provide relief, then, China listed its contribution in helping Pakistan. The release said since its implementation, the CPEC has brought $25 billion in direct investment and created more than 75,000 jobs for Pakistan. China has been the major source of FDI for Pakistan in the past five consecutive years. It indirectly accused America of not doing enough to help Pakistan. The US foreign direct investment was just over $1 billion dollars between 2012 and 2019. In the end, China said we need no teachers, especially a teacher like the USA.

After US attack, Pakistan, China defend CPEC project

Pakistan on Saturday rejected United States'&nbsp;notion of Beijing being the sole benefactor of its China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and asserted that its relations with China within the purview of the project will never fray.

Addressing a press conference two days after US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, strongly criticised China's international development projects and lending practices under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Pakistan's newly appointed Minister for Planning Asad Umar said that CPC would not prove to be a burden for the country but help in providing a strong basis for industrial growth for the coming years.

Dawn reported Umar as saying that Pakistan "has always recognised that this (the CPEC) is not an aid" and "this government has always maintained that it wishes to move past the initial scope of the arrangement."

"The aid that Pakistan received in the past did not really contribute in real terms towards the country's progress and she was right to point out that we must stand on our own two feet," Umar said.

"We have said this on many occasions in the past [...] that both countries have benefitted [from CPEC]. Chinese firms got business as their machinery was exported and came to Pakistan. The lack of infrastructure in Pakistan, especially in the power sector, was where a lot of the country's needs were met," he added.

In her address at an event in Washington, Wells had deemed CPEC a form of financing ensuring guaranteed profits for Chinese state-owned enterprises and pointed out that the multi-billion dollar project is certain to take a toll on Pakistan`s economy at the time of the repayment of the debt and dividend in the coming years.

She had raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the project, saying that it could foster corruption and increase the project cost, thereby resulting in an even heavier debt burden for Pakistan.

The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan`s strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday rejected United States' notion of Beijing being the sole benefactor of its China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and asserted that its relations with China within the purview of the project will never fray.

Pakistan on Saturday rejected United States' notion of Beijing being the sole benefactor of its China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and asserted that its relations with China within the purview of the project will never fray. Addressing a press conference two days after US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, strongly criticised China's international development projects and lending practices under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Pakistan's newly appointed Minister for Planning Asad Umar said that CPC would not prove to be a burden for the country but help in providing a strong basis for industrial growth for the coming years. Dawn reported Umar as saying that Pakistan "has always recognised that this (the CPEC) is not an aid" and "this government has always maintained that it wishes to move past the initial scope of the arrangement." "The aid that Pakistan received in the past did not really contribute in real terms towards the country's progress and she was right to point out that we must stand on our own two feet," Umar said. "We have said this on many occasions in the past [...] that both countries have benefitted [from CPEC]. Chinese firms got business as their machinery was exported and came to Pakistan. The lack of infrastructure in Pakistan, especially in the power sector, was where a lot of the country's needs were met," he added. In her address at an event in Washington, Wells had deemed CPEC a form of financing ensuring guaranteed profits for Chinese state-owned enterprises and pointed out that the multi-billion dollar project is certain to take a toll on Pakistan`s economy at the time of the repayment of the debt and dividend in the coming years. She had raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the project, saying that it could foster corruption and increase the project cost, thereby resulting in an even heavier debt burden for Pakistan. The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan`s strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

CPEC not a burden; relations with China will never fray: Pakistan

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