China is looking to increase its transport links with Pakistan by rail, road and sea. Beijing is in talks with Lahore on a number of projects, including a railway and energy pipeline between the two countries, the expansion of Chinese-built Gwadar port in Pakistan and broadening the Karakorum highway. The aim is to open up the route from Qasim and Gwadar to Kashi in China’s western province Xinjiang.

The two countries hope to develop Gwadar port as a landing point for international cargo heading to western China. Sources said this would “cut down the sea journey time for imports to China and save the country millions of dollars. Gwadar can also give China access to the ports in the Gulf region”.