Pakistan Army Reportedly Demands Second-Strike Nuclear Capability from China in Exchange for Gwadar Port Access

Tensions appear to be rising between Pakistan and its "all-weather friend" China, as reports emerge that the Pakistan Army is demanding a significant upgrade to its nuclear capabilities in exchange for granting China greater access to the strategically important Gwadar port. This demand has reportedly angered Chinese officials and brought negotiations to a standstill.

According to Drop Site News, a website specializing in Pakistani affairs, the Pakistan Army is insisting that China provide it with second-strike nuclear capability if it wants to take control of Gwadar port. This capability would allow Pakistan to retaliate with nuclear weapons even after suffering a nuclear attack, significantly enhancing its deterrent power.

This demand comes at a time of heightened tension between Pakistan and India, and amidst a severe economic crisis in Pakistan. While the Pakistani economy struggles, the army appears determined to prioritize its nuclear ambitions, even if it means jeopardizing its relationship with China.

China has invested heavily in Gwadar port as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and views it as a crucial link in its maritime strategy. The port is being developed as a major commercial hub and a potential naval base for the Chinese Navy. However, Pakistan appears to be leveraging this dependence to extract concessions from China.

Pakistan's motivations for demanding second-strike capability are likely twofold. First, it fears a potential first strike by India against its nuclear facilities. Second, by acquiring this capability, Pakistan aims to significantly enhance its strategic leverage in the region.

China, however, is reportedly furious with Pakistan's demands. Second-strike nuclear capability is a highly sensitive technology with significant geopolitical implications. Providing Pakistan with this capability could destabilize the region and escalate tensions with India.

This development highlights the complexities and potential strains within the China-Pakistan relationship. While both countries often portray their partnership as "ironclad," this incident suggests underlying tensions and competing interests. The outcome of this standoff remains uncertain, but it has the potential to significantly impact the strategic landscape of South Asia.

 

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[Bharat007]

The day will come when even China will be backstabbed by Pakis.

 

[Krishna]

Giving Pakistani's nuclear submarines exposes Chinese Submarines weakness to USA. Why would Chinese take such a risk.

 

[tipoo2]

They're not even a real blue water navy and nuclear subs are crazy expensive. The country is nearly falling apart and they're trying to do this lol.

 

[Rajesh]

Balochistan will boil further if the Chinese are sold the Gwadar port area.

 

[Kira]

I believe most probably strong US pressure and Chinese reservations has prevented this deal,as Pak SSBN fleet will not only threaten India,but also many US interests in the region but also deeply disturb Israel and Iran.
PRC has historically provided nuclear and missile tech to its allies like Pak and DPRK,but only to the extent that provide minimum deterrence(short range ballistic missiles+nuclear fission warheads+other technical assistance),but has refrained from full fledged technology transfers like longer ranged MIRVs missiles,fusion bomb tech and other significant contributions that is likely to invite significant US pressure and generally destabilize far more than its intended regional targets.

 

[BCharlie]

Balochistan will boil further if the Chinese are sold the Gwadar port area.

Gwadar port is already under lease for 40 years with China. They will extend it when required. The Chinese have already started a $58 billion ML-1 Railway project from Gwadar to Kashgar. Road-highway links are also done, with upgrades underway. The way it's going, Baluchistan will station Chinese Army troops, Navy & Airforce bases. Pakistan is making it difficult just to get more money from the Chinese.

 

[Sandeep]

China is never going to help Pakistan to gain or develop any nuclear submarines or missiles. China won’t trust Pakistan with it alone as they know the USA will just take a closer look at the capabilities and on the technology by bribing them and they would gladly do that. Also Pakistan can’t develop their own nuclear submarines as they don’t have the money or expertise so it’s good for India.