Inside Story

China and Pakistan to open $46bn ‘economic corridor’

India wary as Chinese president arrives in Islamabad with the aim of increasing economic ties with Pakistan.

China says it will invest some $46bn in Pakistan, providing Beijing with access to the Arabian Sea to increase its trade with Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The improved relations between the two countries are being closley watched in New Delhi, with China set to provide Islamabad with eight submarines, apparently to match Indian naval capabilities.

Inside Story discusses the growing influence of China in Asia, and the impact it could have in an already volatile region.

Presenter: Jane Dutton

Guests:

Jia Xiudong – Senior Research Fellow at the China Institute of International Studies

Mosharraf Zaidi – Former Pakistani foreign affairs advisor

Rani Singh – Advisor on Security for Forbes Asia and Specialist on Indo-China relations