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 role does China’s support for Pakistan’s socio-economic development play in the fight against terrorism?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Ahmed, Expert on International Relations and South Asian Politics**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmed. Let’s begin with the recent statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry regarding their support for Pakistan in combating terrorism. What are your thoughts on China’s ongoing commitment to Pakistan in this regard?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. China’s pledge to support Pakistan in eradicating terrorism is a significant aspect of their diplomatic relationship. It underscores China’s strategic interests in the region and highlights the ongoing security challenges Pakistan faces, particularly with groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army claiming responsibility for attacks on Chinese nationals.
**Editor:** Indeed, the recent suicide attack near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and the high-profile nature of the claims made by the BLA complicate the situation. How do you foresee this impacting Sino-Pak relations moving forward?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The complexities of this relationship are quite pronounced. While China positions itself as a protective ally for Pakistan, these terrorist activities can strain their relationship if they persist. However, China appears committed to strengthening ties, as indicated by their recent statements. This situation may also prompt increased security measures for Chinese citizens and investments in Pakistan.
**Editor:** You mentioned the security concerns. In the face of such threats, what other measures do you think Pakistan should consider to enhance its security framework?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Pakistan needs to bolster its counter-terrorism strategies, focusing not only on military action but also on intelligence-sharing and community engagement. Additionally, fostering dialogues with local communities may help address some of the underlying grievances that fuel terrorism, particularly from groups like the BLA.
**Editor:** Lin Jian stated that “terrorism is a common enemy of mankind and it’s the international community’s shared responsibility to fight terrorism.” In your opinion, how can the international community better collaborate to combat these global threats?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Greater collaboration can be achieved through multilateral platforms where countries share intelligence, strategies, and resources. Humanitarian efforts to address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and lack of education, could be amplified through international partnerships. Countries must work together, respecting sovereignty but also recognizing that terrorism has no borders.
**Editor:** Lastly, China also emphasized its commitment to support Pakistan’s socio-economic development. How important is this aspect for long-term stability in the region?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Very important. Economic stability often leads to political stability. By investing in Pakistan’s economy, China can help create jobs, improve living standards, and reduce the allure of extremist groups. This supportive role in development can foster goodwill among the Pakistani populace towards Chinese initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more stable security environment.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for your insights on this crucial topic. It’s evident that the dynamics in the region are complex and require careful navigation by all involved.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me; it’s always a pleasure to discuss these important issues.