China proposes alternative routes for CPEC via J&K, Nepal
China may consider alternative routes through Jammu and Kashmir to address India’s concerns regarding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reports said. CPEC passes through Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK).
According to a report in The Hindu, Beijing’s envoy Luo Zhaohui suggested the alternative routes, and said he was keen on accomplishing a bilateral friendship and trade treaty during his stint in India.
“We can change the name of CPEC [China Pakistan Economic Corridor]. Create an alternative corridor through Jammu and Kashmir, Nathu La pass or Nepal to deal with India’s concerns,” the envoy was quoted as speaking in a speech at the Centre for Chinese and South-East Asian Studies in the School of Language, JNU, on Friday.
“One of my goals is to have a treaty of friendship and free trade with India,” he said, elaborating that both sides need to find more areas to collaborate like the Delhi smog. “Beijing also has smog and two sides can jointly deal with this issue,” he said
KV Correspondent
