China Supports Pakistan to Fight Terrorism”/>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)
#China #Supports #Pakistan #Fight #Terrorism
How can the international community effectively contribute to combating terrorism in regions like Balochistan?
**Interview with Dr. Asha Malik, South Asian Political Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Malik. This past week, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed China’s commitment to support Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. What do you make of this support in the context of recent events, including the tragic attack near Jinnah International Airport?
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. The timing of China’s reaffirmation of support is quite significant, especially following the suicide attack in Karachi that targeted Chinese nationals. This attack highlights the vulnerabilities that foreigners, particularly those involved in economic projects, face in Pakistan. China’s support is critical not just for diplomatic reasons but also for ensuring the safety of their citizens and investments.
**Editor:** Lin Jian emphasized that terrorist groups, specifically naming the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), pose a threat to Sino-Pakistani relations. How do you assess the ongoing challenges posed by such groups?
**Dr. Malik:** The BLA’s claim of responsibility for the attack underscores the persistent instability in regions like Balochistan, which has historically been a hotbed for separatist movements. China’s investment in infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) makes them a target for such groups. Tackling these security challenges will require more than just military action; it also necessitates socioeconomic development in the areas affected.
**Editor:** Lin Jian mentioned that terrorism is a “common enemy” and called for international cooperation. What role do you believe the broader international community should play in this context?
**Dr. Malik:** The international community has a significant role in fostering collaboration to combat terrorism. Countries, especially those in the region, should work together to share intelligence and resources. Furthermore, there needs to be a concerted effort to address the root causes of terrorism, which often include poverty, lack of education, and political disenfranchisement. Without tackling these underlying issues, any military or security approach may only be a temporary fix.
**Editor:** what does this situation tell us about the future of Sino-Pakistani relations, especially moving forward into 2025?
**Dr. Malik:** Despite the current challenges, I believe that Sino-Pakistani relations will remain strong. Both nations share strategic interests that go beyond security concerns. Economic cooperation, particularly through initiatives like CPEC, will likely continue to strengthen ties. However, if security issues are not adequately addressed, they could undermine this partnership. Therefore, the ability of both governments to effectively manage these threats will be crucial for the future.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Malik, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me.
