China Flags CPEC Delays, Warns Pakistan on Iran Fallout at Munir-Yi Meet

• China urged Pakistan to accelerate CPEC projects and fully operationalize Gwadar Port, citing strategic and commercial imperatives.
• Beijing emphasized foolproof security for Chinese nationals and assets, warning that Iran-linked instability could compromise Gwadar's viability.
• Chinese officials pressed Islamabad to initiate dialogue with Afghanistan to prevent regional tensions from derailing CPEC plans.
• Gwadar Port is seen as a crucial gateway to the Persian and Arabian Gulf, with China stressing its role as an alternative Middle Eastern trade destination.
• China warned that CPEC 2.0 investments would not proceed without completing existing projects and ensuring robust security, despite reassuring support for US-Iran mediation.