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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What are the implications of China’s support for Pakistan in the fight against terrorism on their bilateral relations?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Political Analyst and Expert on China-Pakistan Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. The recent affirmations from the Chinese government regarding its support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism come in light of rising violence in the region, particularly the tragic incident near Jinnah International Airport. How significant do you see this support from China for Pakistan?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. This support is quite significant for both countries. China has a vested interest in Pakistan, particularly regarding its Belt and Road Initiative, which includes numerous infrastructure projects. By publicly affirming its support against terrorism, China is reiterating its commitment to maintaining stability in the region, which is crucial for the success of these projects.
**Editor:** In the aftermath of the suicide attack that killed two Chinese nationals, the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility. What does this suggest about the ongoing security challenges for Chinese citizens in Pakistan?
**Dr. Chen:** It highlights the very real risks that Chinese nationals face while working in Pakistan, especially in volatile regions like Balochistan. The BLA’s targeting of Chinese individuals underscores the broader geopolitical tensions, as these groups perceive Chinese investments as an encroachment. This situation necessitates not only stronger security for Chinese projects but also a deeper negotiation with local communities to address grievances and ensure safety.
**Editor:** Lin Jian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, mentioned that terrorism is a “common enemy of mankind.” How does this sentiment reflect international cooperation in combating terrorism?
**Dr. Chen:** This perspective is crucial. It emphasizes that terrorism transcends borders and requires a global response. By positioning themselves as allies in combatting terrorism, China and Pakistan are framing their partnership not merely as a bilateral relationship but as a collective stand against a shared threat. This can lead to stronger coordination among nations affected by similar challenges.
**Editor:** Beyond military and security cooperation, Lin Jian also spoke about fostering economic and social ties between China and Pakistan. Can you elaborate on how these aspects are interlinked?
**Dr. Chen:** Certainly! Economic development can be a powerful tool in combating terrorism. By improving living standards and providing opportunities, both countries can work towards addressing some of the root causes of extremism. When people have jobs and a stake in their communities, they are less likely to engage in violent actions. Hence, China’s commitment to economic development in Pakistan is not only about building infrastructure but also about creating a more stable and secure society.
**Editor:** considering the current geopolitical climate, what do you foresee for the future of China-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Chen:** I anticipate that China-Pakistan relations will continue to strengthen in the face of shared challenges. While incidents of violence may pose risks, both countries have displayed resilience in maintaining their strategic partnership. The emphasis on mutual trust and cooperation, as highlighted by Lin Jian, suggests that both nations are committed to navigating through these challenges together, which can ultimately lead to a more robust alliance.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important discussion, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
