Pakistan's Gwadar port at first glance seems an unlikely crown jewel in a multi-billion dollar  China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) development project with China aimed at constructing a 21st century Silk Road.

Pakistani naval personnel stands guard near a ship carrying containers at Gwadar Port.

Situated on a barren peninsula in the Arabian Sea, Gwadar, or the "gate of the wind", owes its fortuitous selection as Pakistan's next economic hub to its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz.

Chinese nationals wait to receive luggage after arriving at Pakistan's Gwadar port.

Pakistani fishermen move a boat in Gwadar port

Chairman of the Gwadar Port Project Dostain Khan Jamaldini speaks to the media at Gwadar port

Pakistani fishermen construct a boat in Gwadar port