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Economics, Law and Policy 
ISSN 2576-2060 (Print) ISSN 2576-2052 (Online) 

Vol. 2, No. 1, 2019 
www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elp 

73 
 

Original Paper 

Contextualising Germen Involvement in CPEC through Wakhan 

Corridor and Gwadar Port as an Diplo-Economic Opportunity 

Hasan Yaser Malik1* 
1 Head CPEC Research Cell at Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited, Islamabad, Pakistan 
* Hasan Yaser Malik, Head CPEC Research Cell at Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited, Islamabad, 

Pakistan 

 

Received: January 2, 2019     Accepted: January 10, 2019    Online Published: January 28, 2019 

doi:10.22158/elp.v2n1p73              URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/elp.v2n1p73 

 

Abstract 

Since seventh, eighteenth, nineteenth century Germany is maintaining diplomatic relations with China, 

Afghanistan and five Central Asian Republics respectively in Asian Region. Main facets of German 

interests in Asian Region have been diplomatic, economic and social development. Germans as a 

nation have always proved their worth by successfully dealing the challenges and rising to the status of 

a strong nation. Presently Germany is the biggest European economic power and is asserting to 

enhance it’s economic and diplomatic relations in Indo-Pacific and Asian Region. Apart from 

establishing trade link; mainly rail link with China and Central Asia it will be prudent to extend its 

access to Indo-Pacific Region well as part of “One Belt One Road Initiative” and “China Pakistan 

Economic Corridor” through Wakhan Corridor in North of Pakistan to Gwadar; North Arabian Sea 

Port of Pakistan. This route will provide land and sea access for Germany to billions of Asians and will 

enhance its diplo-economic influence in Indo-Pacific Region.  

Keywords 

Wakhan, Gwadar, Germany, Diplo-economic, trade, Indo-Pacific and Ocean, OBOR, CPEC 

 

1. Introduction 

Geographically placed in middle of Europe; Germany is an economic pivot for recession stricken 

European Union (EU). In contemporary scenario German economy is growing at the rate of about 2 

percent. Whereas the presently their large gap between economic growth rate of Germany and EU 

which is about 1 percent. Germany is an expanding economy so its needs to enhance its trade beyond 

Europe especially in Asia and Indo-Pacific Region. Presently Germany is enhancing its trade links with 

China and it has already been using China-Europe Express Rail (cargo train X8044) which started 



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service on 19 March 2011 completed its 10,000th trip when it reached Wuhan from Hamburg on 26 

Aug 2018. China-Europe Express connects 48 Chinese cities with over 40 cities in 14 European 

countries and has boosted Chinese businesses with European and BRI countries. Train service has 

increased trade volumes between China and their destination countries by delivering IT products, 

clothing, automobile parts, food, wine and timber. Such emerging inter-continental rail linkage will not 

only enhance the German land access to Caspian Region, Central Asian Republics (CARs), Khorgos 

(world biggest dry port on China Kazakhstan Border) and Pacific Coast through mainland China. It will 

be beneficial for Germany to make use of Khargos-Gwadar Axis to enhance its trade in Indo-Pacific 

Region by utilising the North Arabian Pakistani Port of Gwadar; which is a gate way to Persian Gulf in 

Pakistan. By utilising the land route and proposed water route through Wakhan Corridor starting from 

North East of Afghanistan to Gwadar Port Germany will not only be able to enhance its contemporary 

economic situation but will also improve its much desired diplomatic and economic relations in the 

regions. Moreover any possible German Naval Facility at Gwadar particularly in combination with 

China will have strategic influence in entire Indian Ocean and South China Sea hence creating a 

balance in the Region and securing the sea lines of communications. 

 

2. Research Purpose  

The purpose of the research is to suggest the enhancement of German diplo-economic involvement in 

Asian Region as part of “One Belt One Road Initiative” through China Pakistan Economic Corridor to 

utilize both land and maritime routes. 

 

3. German Interests in Asian and Indo-Pacific Regions 

Germany has been involved in Asian Region since seventh century mainly for diplomatic and 

economic gains. The Germans mainly have interests in CARs, Afghanistan, China and Pakistan as part 

of Asian Region. These relations and interests have always added to German diplomatic and economic 

influence in the Asian Region. In consonance with contemporary world order where facets like ever 

expanding globalisation, global economic inter dependence and global diplomatic dependence are 

expanding (Hasan, 2015, p. 39). It will vital for the Germany to further enhance its diplomatic and 

economic influence in Asian and Indo-Pacific Regions as this would allow a prudent access to the 

population of about three billion as a economic market and the sea lines of communications mainly 

emerging out of the energy rich Strait of Hurmoz. To formulate a pragmatic discussion it will prudent 

to understand the German interests in Asian and Indo-Pacific Regions in subsequent paragraphs. 

 

4. German Interests in Central Asian Republics 

Presently German is represented by an ambassador in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, 

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Since 2011 German forces in Uzbekistan have been providing logistic 

support to ISAF troops. Germany has been making efforts for peace in Afghanistan and stability in the 



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region in accordance with its Central Asia Concept of 2002 (Reinhard, 2007, p. 5). Presently apart from 

the U.S and China EU is also involved in the Great Game once the regional countries enjoy sovereign 

status (Reinhard, p. 5). German involvement is in Central Asian Region has ethnic dimensions as well 

because many of the German-Russians are still living in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It is 

estimated that CARs and Azerbaijan possess 7.5 trillion cubic meters of known and an estimated 20 

trillion cubic meters of undiscovered reserves of natural gas. Turkmenistan’s undiscovered reserves are 

estimated at 37 billion barrel and have discovered 17 new natural gas fields with 60 to 80 billion cubic 

meters of gas (Rebecca, 2004). Berlin Government being pragmatic in approach towards Central Asia 

has planned to concentrate on politico-social development of the region through consolidation of 

democratic structures, poverty alleviation, social, and environmental friendly economic development 

and policy of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Presently Germany is the principal 

mutual donor in Central Asia through institutions like Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische 

Zusammenarbeit, Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst and Deutsche Volkshochschulverb which 

are actively involved in the region. Alongside CARs Berlin is also improving its diplomatic and 

economic interests in Afghanistan, China and Pakistan as well which can ultimately enhance German 

interests towards South Asia and Indo-Pacific Regions.  

 

5. German Interests in China 

Sino-German relations have been wide ranging since 1972 (Federal Foreign Office China, 2015). 

Presently Beijing is prime German Asian economic partner and Germany is principal Chinese trade 

partner in Europe. In 2004 China and Germany became “strategic partner in global responsibility” and 

the status was upgraded as “comprehensive strategic partnership” during President Xi Jinping’s visit to 

Berlin in March 2014. Beijing and German trade volume was euro 150 billion by end of 2014 which is 

increasing tremendously as Germany is China’s biggest European trade partner and sixth largest across 

the globe; whereas Beijing is Frankfurt’s leading Asian and third largest international trade partner. 

Presently around 5000 German companies are working in China and 900 Chinese companies are 

working in Germany. Beijing is the second largest export market for Berlin as Germany alone exports 

about 50 percent of total EU export to China as compared to 10 percent of United Kingdom and 9 

percent of France. In order to enhance the relations in fields of science and technology both countries 

established “Sino-German-Centre for Science Promotion” which is jointly run by German Research 

Foundation (DFG) and National natural Science Foundation of China. To combine the marine research 

interests a “Center for Sino-German Cooperation in Marine Sciences” is established in Qingdao was 

co-founded by the Ocean University of China and “Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences” as part of 

University of Bremen. Chinese trade with Europe is also on increase, more over the use of Chinese 

Currency; Renminbi (RMB) is also getting popular and is likely to be increased by 40 percent till 2024 

(Syetarn, 2014). As for as EU is concerned it has adopted an orientation towards China at expanse of its 

traditional partners like the U.S and Japan and its trade with the U.S and Japan has reduced from 23 



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percent to 18 percent and 6 percent to 3 percent respectively however on the contrary in case of Beijing 

it has risen from 6 percent to 16.6 percent (Syetarn, 2014). On the other hand China is also gradually 

limiting its trade with the U.S with regard to highly technical goods and is relying on Berlin (Georg, 

2014). 

German Chancellor Angela Markel visit to Beijing and separate meetings with Chinese Premier Li 

Keqiang and President Xi Jingping after Xi Jingping’s visit to Berlin in March 2014 highlights the 

bilateral economic and diplomatic interests of both countries in prevalent global scenario. With many of 

Chinese diplomatic initiatives, the principal meeting point was economic. Merkel’s business delegation 

attended a meeting of the China-Germany Economic and Trade Commission. Frankfurt has become a 

clearance hub for RMB by name of China-Europe International Exchange (CEINEX). Europe will be end 

destination of “New Silk Route” as envisioned by President Xi Jingping. China’s ultimate goal will be to 

lessen the U.S influence in Europe so China and Germany will need to cooperate in recent global system 

by focusing on security issues matching economic dynamics (Shannon, 2014). China and Germany are 

establishing the rail link form Leipzig to Chongqing for goods transporting between Germany and 

China hence reducing the travelling time to 20 days as compared to 35 days via sea. Such initiatives 

will further add to Chinese orientation towards Europe and German interests towards South Asia and 

Indo-Pacific Regions. 

 

6. German Interests in Afghanistan 

Since 1914 Germany is maintaining diplomatic and economic relations with Afghanistan as it sent a 

diplomatic mission to Afghanistan under Oskar Van Niedermayer during the era of King Amir 

Habibullah Khan (Nasrullah, 2004). Later on from 1919 to 1929 Amir Amanullah tried to further 

enhance the strategic relations between two nations to reduce the British and Russian influence in the 

region. Berlin was looking at Afghanistan as a politico-military base and Kabul Government wanted 

Germany to function as a balancing force to keep British and Russians out of Afghanistan (Ludwig, 

1974). Amir Amanullah also wanted strength and power from Berlin through a modernisation 

programme. In 1923 a “German-Afghanistan Group” was formed for provision of civil engineering 

support to Afghanistan. Germans also helped in education sector and established Amania School in 

Kabul. After Amanullah who signed a treaty of friendship between Germany and Afghanistan in 1924 

Nadir Shah also concluded a Free Trade Agreement in 1930. It will be significant to note that Italy and 

Japan were also involved in project of social development in Afghanistan apart from Germany during 

the rule of Ammanullah (Islam, 2015). In 1936 not only Afghan Military started getting military 

training from German Military officers but Berlin also planned and supervised prime projects like roads, 

bridges, airfields and industrial plants. Kabul maintained its relations with German Democratic 

Republic (GDR) and Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). From 1956 to 1962 FRG kept supporting 

mining and industrial sectors in Afghanistan it also provided Deutsche Mark (DM) 260 million for 

socio-economic development. Since start of the millennium many German Non-Governmental 



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Organistions were also working for social development before the U.S led NATO attack on 

Afghanistan in 2001. Despite being a part of war in Afghanistan; Germany is continuing its support for 

humanitarian cause and social progress. Since 2004 Germany is heading Provincial Reconstruction 

Team in Badakhshan, Faizabad and Kunduz Provinces (Ibid.). On 5 December 2005 a conference was 

held in Peter’s berg Rest House (Bonn) to form an interim government in Afghanistan and later 

December 2002 another conference was held at same venue for development and peace in Afghanistan. 

Berlin and Kabul are continuing for bilateral development and cooperation in private sector, market 

mechanism, refurbishing of power sector through renewable energy, drinking water and funds for 

training of primary teachers. During the Tokyo Conference in 2002 Berlin promised to provide euro 

320 million to Afghanistan over a period of four years and an amount worth euro 80 million from 2005 

to 2008 which was extended for two more years during a London Conference in January 2006. Berlin 

has provided euro 650 million for humanitarian development. Germany is also making efforts to 

enhance capacity building of Afghan Border Police. It is also making efforts to reduce the drugs from 

Afghanistan and to promote the bilateral culture. Berlin wants peace and stable Afghanistan to use it as 

a friendly politico-economic base oriented towards Central Asia, Russia and ultimately to Indo-Pacific 

Region.  

 

7. German Interests in Pakistan 

Relations between Germany and Pakistan were established in 1950 principally basing on aspects of 

mutual friendship, culture, social and economic development. West Germany became first economic 

partner of Pakistan by launching “International Development Programme” in 1961. In 1970 both 

countries singed “Strategic and Military Training Pact” and in 1990 Pakistan-German Business Forum 

was established. At dawn of new millennium Germany emerged as one of the most significant allies 

surrounding the war in North Western Pakistan being fought between Pakistan and Talibans. Presently 

Pakistan-Germany trade relations are attributed to Generalised System of Preference Plus granted by 

EU in January, 2014. Germany being largest European economy and second most populace nation with 

about 80 million people is vital for the continent’s economic, political and defence organisation. 

Germany has been making efforts to support Pakistani trade with EU for provision of greater market 

access. Pakistan is a major partner for Germany in the region and a central partner once it comes to deal 

with urgent international issue (Frank Walter Steinmeier German Foreign Minister, 2015). Germany is 

supporting democratic development, energy demands through renewable energy and Rural 

Development in Baluchistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan. Germany 

has interests in FATA since 1920; twenty seven years before the independence of Pakistan and during 

the time of British India (Islam, 2015). Apart from China, Central Asia and Afghanistan; Germany has 

interests in Pakistani FATA as the areas served as a barrier between British and USSR as part of Great 

Game. Presence of German Provincial Reconstruction Team in Badakhshan (Islam, 2015); Afghanistan 

in Wakhan Corridor can improve the passage till Brogohail Pass along Pakistan Border to reach out 



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Peshawar along Chitral River as an alternate to Karakoram Highway to access Gwadar Port. 

 

8. Wakhan Corridor as an Opportunity for Germany 

Located at cross roads of Afghanistan, energy rich Tajikistan, an emerging world power China and 

geopolitically located Pakistan. The Wakhan Corridor is an ancient and a strategic pass leading to 

China form Eshkashem (Afghanistan) which had been used for linking West with China via Silk Route. 

The Afghan Pass is attached to Tajikistan in north, China in east and Pakistan in south. It has always 

been used as a trade route for west and north to Indian plains and Arabian Coasts in the south for 

centuries. Extra regional facets like quest for Great Game between Russia and Britain since 1838 

(Michael, 2014), Chinese Communist Revolution of 1949 (Michael, 2014), Soviet Invasion of 

Afghanistan for a decade followed by the NATO invasion of Afghanistan since 2001 has unfortunately 

kept away any kind of infrastructural development in Wakhan as a fallacy. Opening up of Wakhjir Pass 

by China in the corridor will surely improve trade and diplomatic relations; between Pakistan, China, 

Afghanistan and Germany. Wakhan Corridor can be linked to Peshawar and ultimately to Gwadar Port 

through a route along Chitral River which can serve as an alternate route to Karakoram Highway to 

reach Gwadar. Wakhan-Chitral Route starting form Brogohail Passto Gwadar Port mainly along Chitral 

River till Chitral can also link Jalalabad with Chitral through Mir Khani and Naray which will also 

have regional global politico-economic value. Germany alone or in combination with China can play 

its role for improving or constructing the proposed route. The Afghan Government did not do much for 

social development of the corridor because of its self-sustaining tribal culture, rugged mountain terrain 

and cold climate. This ancient trade route between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan can still provide 

more suitable link between Central Asian energy resources to the warm water at Gwadar Port at the 

mouth of Hurmoz. 

Apparently it seems that China is preparing to open Wakhjir Pass as it has started some infrastructural 

development in the Wakhjir Pass; where in it has carpeted the road up to 10 km short of the border 

crossing point, leaving the rest to time of its choice and domination (Dutta, 2012). Apart from the road 

China has constructed a supply depot for its border police. It has enhanced its communication 

capability by establishing cell phone centers and by laying down the optical cable for the web based 

internet facilities. Opening of link age with neighboring Kyrgzs and Wakhis will not only improve their 

life style but will also add to a sympathetic tones from entire population of Wakhan Corridor in 

particular and Afghanistan and Pakistan in general. Passage through proposed will add stability in 

Afghanistan which will be difficult to achieve even after U.S withdraws in entirety due to Afghan 

Culture (Woodward, 2010). The 250 km long proposed route emerging from Wakhan Corridor should 

emanate from Brogohail Pass on Pakistan border passing along the Chitral River through Mastuj, 

Booni, Chitral and Peshawar should be linked to Gwadar and Jalalabad for more options. 

 

 



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9. Strategic Significance of CPEC for Germany Being Part of OBOR 

The Gwadar Port project was leased to Port Singapore Authority as Dubai Port World withdrew after 

winning the bid (Presentation Made to President of Pakistan by Chairman National Logistic Cell Dry 

Ports). However later it was assigned to China (Khaleeq, 2013). Chinese presence at this critical choke 

point of Gulf can not only check the INDO-U.S domination of Indian Ocean (Nixon, 1992) but can also 

strive to achieve its aim of being a naval power (Yeuh, 1972). The proposed land link can help 

Germany in improving its ever expanding trade to Central Asia, and South East Asia and Indo-Pacific 

Regions. In order to avoid their dependence on Russia CARs need opportunities to export energy 

resources through a suitable out let like Gwadar (Stephan, 2014). Geographically there are two routes 

available to them, one passing through Chabahar and the other leading through Gwadar. Due to 

prevalent international environment and its location Gwadar emerges as a more viable alternate port. In 

case of Afghanistan it is most likely that the country will be dependent on the imports and the aid from 

the donor nations, for which it had to depend on a transit agreement with Pakistan (Matinuddin, 1991, p. 

308). As Gwadar can provide economic and diplomatic opportunities to Afghanistan, China, Central 

Asia and Pakistan so considering the German interests in region mentioned above it will also enhance 

diplomatic and economic opportunities for Germany not only in Indian Ocean but also in Pacific Ocean 

in combination with China. Any German Naval Facility at Gwadar particularly in combination with 

China will have strategic influence to create balance in entire Indian Ocean and South China Sea.  

 

10. Inter-Continental Trade Links Which Can Be Germany as Part of OBOR and Subsequently 

to CPEC  

The Project includes port, communication infrastructure, energy cooperation, industries and industrial 

parks, agricultural development, education, public health and people-to-people communication. It 

would also be connected with trade facilitation corridors. CPEC aims at linking three billion people of 

South Asia, China and Central Asia. With view to enhance its economic and diplomatic strength 

Germany can expand its trade to Asia, Africa, Russia, Europe, Central Asia and Indo-Pacific Region by 

linking with following: 

 Eight thousand miles long Inter-continental trade link from Madrid to Shanghou. 

 Five thousand and seven hundred miles long continental railways to link Moscow to with 

Vladivostok. 

 Connecting Leipzig to Chongqing thus transporting goods between Germany and China thus 

reducing the travelling time to 20 days as compared to 35 days via sea. 

 Four thousand and three hundred miles rail link between Beijing and Moscow.  

 Beijing is also enhancing its influence by establishing energy pipe lines from Caspian Sea to 

China and from Turkmenistan to China. 

 Fifteen hundred miles long oil pipeline with Myanmar.  

 



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11. Conclusion 

Germany has interest in Central Asian, South East Asian and Indo-Pacific Regions with main focus on 

diplomatic and economic relations with Central Asian Republics, Azerbaijan, China, Afghanistan and 

Pakistan. Diplomatic and economic relations with these countries will allow Germany to have better 

and pragmatic access to South Asia and Indo-Pacific Regions. In order to make the diplo-economic 

gains more prudent it will be beneficial for Germany to make use of Gwadar Deep Sea Port in North 

Arabian Sea as gate way to energy transporting Strait of Hurmoz. Any German Naval Facility at 

Gwadar particularly in combination with China will have strategic influence in entire Indian Ocean and 

South China Sea hence creating a balance in the Region and securing the sea lines of communications. 

It will be prudent Germany to have an access to Gwadar Port through an alternative to the Karakoram 

Highway through Wakhan Corridor.  

 

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