STEALTH ATTACK

Sneaky ties between Chinese syndicates and state-linked institutions point to a network that seeks to expand Beijing's influence across South Asia

- TARA KARTHA

India's neighbourhood is abuzz with major Chinese initiatives such as the Teesta River project in Bangladesh, the Gwadar port in Pakistan and the upcoming Sinopec oil refinery in Sri Lanka. What is completely under the radar is the extensive proliferation of small businesses owned by the Chinese around these major projects, along with a growing presence in universities, research centres and, more covertly, in cyberspace through criminal networks. All of these have wide-ranging implications, not just for the host nations but also, directly or indirectly, for India.

In Pakistan, the commencement of the delayed second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) marks a shift from government-to-government deals to business-oriented initiatives in sectors such as industry and agriculture. One example is the proposed establishment of a massive textile factory in Karachi's Special Economic Zone, with an investment of around 17 million Pakistan rupees. While this is above board, there are reportedly 414 Chinese businesses already operating in Karachi, 988 in Islamabad and over 500 in Lahore. In Muzaffarabad, data suggests the presence of over 3,000 Chinese workers engaged in projects such as the Karakoram realignment and three hydro-power plants. These locations likely host Chinese security personnel, with three major firms linked to former PLA (People’s Liberation Army) officers operating in Pakistan.