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 might recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan affect public and governmental perceptions of foreign investment from China?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Ahmed, Expert on International Relations and South Asian Politics**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmed. We’ve just heard about China’s commitment to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, especially following the recent tragic events in Karachi. What is your take on China’s position regarding this?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. China’s statement reflects its broader strategy in the region. By publicly affirming support for Pakistan, China is reinforcing its role as a key ally, especially in light of the recent attacks targeting Chinese nationals. This is crucial, considering the economic investments China has in Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
**Editor:** You mentioned the economic investments. How might these projects influence China’s support for Pakistan in its counter-terrorism efforts?
**Dr. Ahmed:** China’s investments are heavily tied to the stability of Pakistan. Terrorism directly threatens these projects, which is why China has an interest in ensuring security. By positioning itself as a partner in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, China is not merely making a political statement; it is also securing its economic interests. This relationship is foundational—one supports the other.
**Editor:** The recent attack claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army raised concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. How do you think this affects public perception of the Sino-Pakistan relationship?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Incidents like this put a strain on public perception, especially among Pakistani citizens who may be concerned about foreign presence and security dynamics. However, the Chinese government has been proactive in framing these attacks as acts of terrorism that can be combated through mutual cooperation. By emphasizing a united front against a common enemy, China hopes to bolster support for its initiatives within Pakistan.
**Editor:** Lin Jian’s statement emphasized the idea of terrorism as a “common enemy.” How does this align with global perspectives on fighting terrorism?
**Dr. Ahmed:** This framing is becoming increasingly popular in global discourse. The concept of a common enemy fosters unity among countries facing similar threats. It’s an approach that aims to galvanize international cooperation, but it’s also used politically to justify military or security actions under the banner of fighting terrorism. The challenge, however, lies in ensuring that this unity does not overlook the nuances of local politics and the underlying causes of terrorism.
**Editor:** what does the future hold for Sino-Pakistan relations in the context of these recent developments?
**Dr. Ahmed:** I believe we’ll see a continued strengthening of their partnership. China will likely increase its security cooperation with Pakistan, potentially leading to more joint operations or intelligence sharing aimed at counter-terrorism. Meanwhile, economic cooperation will also progress, as both nations will seek to prove that they can tackle threats while advancing their respective developmental goals. However, the situation remains fluid, and shifts in local politics or security contexts could impact this relationship.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for your insights on this important topic. We appreciate your expertise.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss such relevant issues.
