CPEC not undermining India's sovereignty, Chinese state-media

Even the developed world has shown interest in the project and wants to invest but New Delhi's resistance would lead to “unnecessary opposition” with the developed world, it said.

New Delhi: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not undermining India's sovereignty but its continuous opposition to the project would lead to straining of ties with the West, China's state-media said in a commentary.

Even the developed world has shown interest in the project and wants to invest but New Delhi's resistance would lead to “unnecessary opposition” with the developed world, the Global Times said on Thursday.

The article claimed that CPEC provides a great opportunity for the developed would, like the UK, to explore the economic benefits.

Citing a British government website, the report said that "The UK is poised to be a key partner of CPEC" and would host a conference in Islamabad in May.

Britain's interest in the project “offers a positive signal” that CPEC has received an “increased attention” from the developed economies, the article claimed.

It further said that China may welcome enterprises from the UK and other developed nations to participate in the construction of the CPEC.

The article claimed that China's One Belt, One Road (B&R) initiative provides a platform to enhance cooperation and “inclusive” economic development.

China has invited developed economies to participate in the project, it said, adding, that in March, New Zealand has become the first such nation to join the B&R initiative after it signed a cooperation agreement with Beijing.

The summit in May will provide an opportunity to enhance cooperation between China and the developed nations, the report said.

“Beijing has no intention to use the B&R initiative to recognize any geopolitical spheres of influence.

“Hopefully China's open mind towards cooperation can help dispel misgivings held by India and some other countries.

“It would be unwise to think that increasing investment in the CPEC means a lack of respect for India's sovereignty,” the opinion piece said.