In a stern message to Pakistan, China has issued a warning over delayed payments for defence equipment, hinting at potential disruptions in the supply chain for the Pakistani army. Senior officials from both nations recently met to address the issue, emphasising the critical nature of timely payments. With approximately $1.5 billion pending in payments, experts believe that this is just a “tactic” being used by China to pressure Pakistan.
As per sources, the high-level meeting between China and Pakistan took place recently. The meeting underscored Pakistan’s heavy reliance on China for its defence requirements, spanning from artillery to missile systems. The financial impasse, if prolonged, is likely to mount trouble for Pakistan as it will not only jeopardise the timely completion of key defence projects but will also have an adverse impact on the relations between the two countries.
It is no more a secret that China has been helping Pakistan build army capabilities for quite some time now. Quadcopter(s) seized during failed drug delivery attempts from Pakistan to India have been found to have Chinese origins. The recent comments made by the Indian Navy chief also highlighted the expanding collaboration between Pakistan and China in naval capabilities. Further, the infrastructure building and communication network along LoC, where China invested heavily, has been known for months now.
“Pakistan has been giving assurances after assurances but nothing much has changed on the ground either in terms of China getting its money back or any visible change on the security front. China knows for sure that it cannot rollback its support to Pakistan either in terms of credit-based supply of defence equipment or for CPEC. There is a reason to it…,” said Major General Ashok Kumar (retd).
As per sources, the current payment issues extend beyond infrastructure or communication projects, encompassing crucial elements such as aircraft, VT-4 tanks, artillery guns, and missile systems.
Experts believe that while the issue of non-payment is true, it is just a “tactic” used by China to pressure Pakistan. Notably, the issue is not going to affect the relations between both countries.
“Issues of non-payment from Pakistan have become a regular feature more in its current economic profile. China has been making noises about getting its money back as per agreed terms and conditions. In fact, China has been threatening Pakistan both for its recovery of the financial dues as well as the physical threat to its workers of CPEC corridor especially in Balochistan area,” Major General Ashok Kumar (retd) said.
“The current threat may be posturing to get more concessions in lieu of its pending dues as China did in Sri Lanka to get the Colombo City project as well as the Hambantota project. The current effort of China is also intended to get more ownership in those Pakistani assets which will further Chinese national strategic interests,” he added.
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