THE Chinese government affirms its support for Pakistan to eradicate terrorism.
“China will continue to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing, on Monday (11/11).
Previously, on October 6 2024, there was a suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned group that previously targeted Chinese nationals in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the safety and security of Chinese citizens, projects and institutions overseas,” Lin Jian added.
China and Pakistan, said Lin Jian, have the determination and capability to thwart any attempts to harm Sino-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price.
“Terrorism is a common enemy of mankind, it is the international community’s shared responsibility to fight terrorism and prevent tragedies from happening again,” said Lin Jian.
Lin Jian also said that China and Pakistan were strong strategic cooperation partners.
“Our strong friendship is deeply rooted among our people. Attempts to undermine mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed,” said Lin Jian.
China, Lin Jian said, will continue to support Pakistan in developing its economy and society and improving people’s lives.
“We will firmly implement cooperation with Pakistan in various fields for the benefit of both nations,” said Lin Jian.
Previously, on November 9 2024, at least 26 people were killed and dozens of others were injured due to a bomb explosion at a train station in the capital of Balochistan Province, Quetta.
Pakistan has been hit by 785 terrorist attacks during the first 10 months of 2024, resulting in 951 deaths and 966 injuries. October 2024 became the second deadliest month in 2024 as the number of victims increased to 198 people.
The dead included 98 terrorists, 62 security officers and 38 civilians.
The attacks reflect continuing high levels of violence across the country, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based strategy body.
The BLA group itself accuses China of exploiting mineral-rich resources in the southwestern province of Balochistan.
Balochistan Province is the largest province in Pakistan and borders Iran and Afghanistan. The region has a strategic position due to its rich reserves of copper, zinc and natural gas.
The province is also an important route in the mega project worth 64 billion US dollars (around IDR 1 quadrillion), namely the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC).
The corridor aims to connect China’s strategic northwestern Xinjiang Province with the port of Gwadar in Balochistan through a network of roads, railways and pipelines for the transportation of cargo, oil and gas.
Balochistan separatists, especially the BLA, which is suspected of being involved in the recent kidnapping and killing of Chinese workers, oppose the project. (Ant/Z-6)
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How does China’s support for Pakistan in combating terrorism impact the safety of Chinese nationals working on projects like the Belt and Road Initiative?
**News Editor:** Today, we’re discussing the recent statements made by the Chinese government regarding their support for Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Mei, an expert in international relations and South Asian politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mei.
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** Thank you for having me.
**News Editor:** In a recent press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in combating terrorism. How significant is this support in the context of the recent attacks in Pakistan?
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** It’s quite significant. The Chinese government’s support underscores the importance of their bilateral relationship, especially after recent tragic events like the suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport that claimed two Chinese lives. It reflects their concern for the safety of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, particularly in projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative.
**News Editor:** Lin Jian mentioned that terrorism is a common enemy and a shared responsibility. How does this perspective align with global anti-terrorism efforts?
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** This perspective highlights a growing recognition that terrorism transcends national borders. By framing it as a common enemy, China is positioning itself as a partner in global security efforts, advocating for a collective response to terrorism. It also allows China to strengthen its ties with Pakistan and bolster their joint strategic initiatives.
**News Editor:** The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the recent attack. How do such groups impact the security landscape in Pakistan and relations with China?
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** Groups like the BLA complicate the security landscape significantly. Their actions not only threaten local stability but also impact foreign investments and partnerships, especially from countries like China. The Chinese government will likely push for stronger counter-terrorism measures from Pakistan to protect their citizens and ensure the continuation of their investment plans.
**News Editor:** In Lin Jian’s statement, he remarked on the strong friendship between China and Pakistan. What implications does this friendship have for regional stability in South Asia?
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** The friendship between China and Pakistan is crucial for regional dynamics. It acts as a counterbalance to Indian influence in the region and can foster stability through economic cooperation and strategic alignment. However, this relationship is contingent on Pakistan’s ability to manage its internal security challenges effectively.
**News Editor:** Before we wrap up, what do you see as the next steps for both China and Pakistan in light of these developments?
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** I believe we’ll see intensified security cooperation between the two countries, including joint counter-terrorism operations. Additionally, China will likely ramp up its economic support for Pakistan, not only to stabilize the situation but to further strengthen their partnership in the long run.
**News Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Mei, for your insights on this critical topic. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics unfold in the coming weeks.
**Dr. Sarah Mei:** Thank you for having me!
