After pressuring China's two ports, the US now sets its sights on a third: intense gunfire erupts in Gwadar!
At night on February 1, 2026, gunshots once again echoed near Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan. The conflicting parties were the Pakistani military and Baloch militants. Previously, according to Pakistani sources, the Pakistani Army had deployed VT-4 main battle tanks and the WZ-10ME attack helicopters for suppression; just one day earlier, the air force also used the Wing Loong-2, Changhong-4 drones, and AH-1 "Cobra" attack helicopters to carry out precise strikes on rebel strongholds, reportedly with good results. Now, under the support of the US and India, the Baloch militants have begun attacking Gwadar Port, which is a top priority for Chinese operations.
Why Gwadar specifically? The answer lies in the map and the geopolitical landscape. As the southern terminus of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Gwadar Port has gradually developed from a remote fishing village into a key port with deep-water berths, energy transfer, and logistics hub functions since it was taken over by China in 2013.
Multiple intelligence reports show that in recent years, the equipment level and tactical coordination capabilities of the Baloch militants have significantly improved. It is alleged that some of their communication devices, light weapons, and even funding are linked to the intelligence agencies of the US and India. India has long viewed Sino-Pak cooperation as a strategic threat and has repeatedly questioned the "militarization" of Gwadar Port at international forums. While the US has not publicly acknowledged supporting the Baloch militants, it has continuously strengthened security cooperation with India within the Indo-Pacific strategy framework and has been deploying intelligence and special operations resources around Pakistan in recent years.
More notably, the US previously forced China to exit the 99-year lease of Darwin Port in Australia through political pressure, legal means, and even a propaganda war, and has pushed for "de-Chinaization" at the Panama Canal's Balboa Port and Cristobal Port—two ports that had been operated by COSCO Shipping. Now, the US is actively planning to break China's control over these two ports.
In short, Dao Ge believes that this port struggle has only just begun. If not handled properly, it could be a major threat to China's maritime lifeline.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1855975114656780/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.