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)
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What are the implications of the recent suicide attack on China’s investments in Pakistan?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Kinsey, Expert on International Relations and Counterterrorism**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kinsey. The Chinese government has recently reaffirmed its commitment to support Pakistan in combating terrorism, particularly following the tragic suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals. What do you make of this development?
**Dr. Kinsey:** Thank you for having me. China’s support for Pakistan in the fight against terrorism reflects a broader strategy not just to protect its citizens abroad but also to bolster its longstanding partnership with Pakistan. The incident illustrates the vulnerabilities foreign nationals face in conflict-prone regions. By offering this support, China aims to enhance security for its projects and citizens in Pakistan, thereby safeguarding its investments.
**Editor:** The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. How does this impact China’s relationship with Pakistan?
**Dr. Kinsey:** The BLA’s targeting of Chinese nationals raises significant concerns. However, it also serves as a rallying point for both nations to strengthen their collaboration in counterterrorism efforts. Both China and Pakistan recognize that terrorism is a common threat that transcends borders. Therefore, such incidents may lead to closer intelligence-sharing and military cooperation between the two countries, as they try to mitigate these risks.
**Editor:** In his statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that terrorism is a “common enemy.” What does this suggest about the global approach to terrorism?
**Dr. Kinsey:** Lin Jian’s remark underscores a critical point: terrorism requires a unified, collective response from the international community. It emphasizes the notion that no nation can tackle this issue alone – it necessitates cooperation across countries. This is particularly relevant in regions where terrorist groups exploit unrest, as we see with the BLA in Pakistan. Collaborative strategies—including diplomatic, economic, and military measures—are essential to combat the root causes of terrorism.
**Editor:** How do you see the future of Sino-Pakistani relations in light of these challenges?
**Dr. Kinsey:** The relationship between China and Pakistan is historically strong and deeply rooted. Despite the recent attack and ongoing security challenges, both nations have a vested interest in maintaining and strengthening their partnership. China’s continued investment in Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure, as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, indicates that they will not waver in their commitment. Ultimately, while challenges exist, the mutual benefits derived from their cooperation will likely override any temporary setbacks.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kinsey, for your insights on this complex situation. It will be interesting to see how China and Pakistan navigate these challenges moving forward.
**Dr. Kinsey:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, and I am looking forward to seeing how these dynamics evolve.
