Chinas Grand Strategy, Kashmir and Pakistan: Transformation of Islamabad from a Spoiler State to Frontline State for Beijing
China in collaboration with Pakistan has integrated Kashmir in its grand strategy to contain India. Beijings involvement in various mega projects related to construction and development of strategic infrastructure in the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), influx of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, adoption of visa-related controversial policies and invitation to Indias Kashmiri separatist leader, are being seen in the Indias official and strategic circles, as the encirclement of India by China through Kashmir. During the Cold War era, Beijing had bestowed Pakistan with the status of spoiler state in order to weaken the natural predominance of India in the South Asian region. Nevertheless, now, it is being viewed that China has transformed Pakistan into a frontline state to contain the increasing Indian influence at regional and global levels. In this context, Kashmir is being used as an instrument by the Beijing and in this strategy; Beijing Administration is being complemented equally by the Islamabad Administration. Gilgit-Baltistan, where an anti- Pakistan movement for Balawaristan is simmering, has become the epic centre of Chinese activities. In the emerging scenario, Sino-Pakistan nexus has emerged as a gainer and, India, the US and even people of Gilgit-Baltistan have become the prime losers. The Sino-Pakistan nexus in Kashmir has put strategically India at a disadvantageous position while people of Gilgit-Baltistan are to be the victims of suppression of both Pak army as well as the PLA. In long-term perspective, mega projects, and large scale human activities in PoK especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, are going to be disastrous for the local, regional and extra-regional-environment. India is taking counter-measures from developing strategic infrastructure to enhancement of its military capabilities to thwart any prospective threat.