Belt and Road Initiative: Emerging World Order
By Dr Talat Ayesha Wizarat
Partridge Publishing Singapore
ISBN: 978-1-5437-7372-9
246pp.

In Pakistan, we think we know China — a friend of Pakistan’s and now a super-economy moving faster than all other economies to grab the maximum share from global wealth. But we know little about the Chinese struggle, their sacrifices and hard work to reach this level.

There is also little knowledge here about Chinese civilisation, culture and historical background, and the tremendous efforts of the people of China to pull themselves out of absolute poverty. Several generations sacrificed their lives for the progress of their country and the nation. This is something we all must know about China, now a superpower competing with high-tech economies, all the while helping poor economies by offering them both investment and technology.

There is a serious need to understand the Chinese economic model instead of simply raising slogans to adopt it here in Pakistan. We have experienced Western economic models but the country has remained under economic crises for most of the time since its inception. It is debatable whether the Western economic models have failed or we, the Pakistanis, have failed them.

However, one thing is clear: economies need to have very deep roots in the culture of a country. We need detailed research to find out how China defeated the most developed countries with ever-growing new technologies.

A recent book by a Pakistani author delves into China’s culture and history to try and explain its economic model, along with the current regional and global political economy

Belt and Road Initiative: Emerging World Order by Professor Dr Talat Ayesha Wizarat provides diverse information and analysis about the Chinese economy, particularly the concept of connectivity and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Despite being a neighbouring country and being the host of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship of the BRI, there has been very little research work carried out in Pakistan to develop an understanding about the Chinese economy.

Dr Wizarat, an academic, researcher and writer, has provided in-depth information about China, particularly for Pakistanis, with credible research work. Her book includes a lot of references and views and is a wealth of knowledge and understanding. The writer discusses both the country’s thriving economy and the opposition to China by Western developed economies.

When China started moving towards capitalism from communism in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping, many think-tanks in the West were sure that the country would not survive — as happened in the Soviet Union later — but the Chinese proved them wrong. On the contrary, China’s progress and prosperity went well beyond the imagination of the West.

“China has overtaken the US in many areas of importance for the world economy,” writes Dr Wizarat. “It is estimated that between 2030 and 2035, China will emerge as the largest economy, in spite of the damage caused by Covid-19. If BRI gains momentum, this development might occur sooner than expected.”

She discusses in detail the Silk Road. The actual Silk Route was spread over more than 7,000 miles. The distance travelled over the seas was in addition to this. The Silk Road connected all major regions of the world, creating livelihoods for millions of people. Dr Wizarat predicts that the soft power of China will grow further but hopes it is not taken as a threat by its rival states.

However, she is also well aware of the apprehensions of the West as regards China. She quotes Western scholar Robert P. Kaplan’s view about the balance of power changing against the West, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. The rising power of China has sent shockwaves all over the Western world, although China’s rise has so far been peaceful. Even in the historical context, China has largely been a peaceful state.

Some Western scholars believe that creating a fear of China is nothing more than an effort to create unity among Western countries. According to this view, it has become increasingly difficult to bring the US, European states and Australia on one page and antipathy towards China helps cement their alliance. Racial dimensions also make it impossible for Western countries to digest the emergence of China as a major power.

However, Dr Wizarat does not miss discussing the development of the Chinese navy. She points out that the Chinese navy has adopted a proactive and assertive role. It is feared among Western countries that China is looking to replace Western maritime domination and is heading towards becoming a supreme power.

Dr Wizarat never hesitates to promote Chinese global views and criticise Western approaches towards China. It is a fact that the Western media never forgets to criticise China for its assertive role while it has failed to recognise similar fast technological advancement with aggressive economic development in its own sphere.

China has also become a world production house, as billions of dollars are being invested in China by Western companies. These companies are earning huge profits through investments while their parent countries are out to prove that China has evil plans to replace Western development.

The book discusses in detail China’s plans for the economic development of the countries under the BRI. It also discusses CPEC. Dr Wizarat pins great hope on Chinese investment in Pakistan and believes it will bring vital changes with economic prosperity. It seems difficult to accept her views in their entirety, but the way she explains her point to the readers is appreciable.

“The establishment of Gwadar in the 21st century is a momentous development, which is expected to shape the destiny of Pakistan and many other states of the world,” writes Dr Wizarat. She believes that, after acquiring access to Gwadar, China is no longer just a Pacific power. Direct access to the Indian Ocean has made China a two-oceans power. This linkage has reduced the geographical distance between China, its markets and sources of raw material.

China and Pakistan consider this to be a great economic asset that is mutually beneficial, but the US and India, along with other countries, fear it will further enhance the economic power of China in the region.

The author asserts that China is helping developing countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Bangladesh and the like to develop their ports. She writes that the network of ports developed by China are often referred to as a “string of pearls.”

These ventures are commercial in nature but, according to Dr Wizarat, the Washington Post incorrectly labelled it as a “Chinese Security Paradigm.” While Dr Wizarat comprehensively discusses the Chinese approach for the BRI and rivalries of the West, she writes that the Modern Maritime Silk Road (MMSR) is highly important for China, since the BRI depends upon the success of the MMSR.

China’s adversaries, mainly the US, UK, India and Australia, also regard the MSSR to be a crucial factor in determining the success of the BRI. She believes that this is the reason they are devising policies to target the various dimensions of the maritime belt.

The book covers a number of topics and issues. It is a must-read to gain a good understanding of the BRI and relevant geopolitical issues directly related to the economies involved. The treatise has enough substance to be appreciated and is particularly of high importance for students hoping to understand China and its economic model, along with the regional and global political economy.

However, at the end, the reader may be left feeling that the book may offer more of a Chinese version than an independent one.

The reviewer is a member of staff

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, January 28th, 2024