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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How might the evolving security situation in Pakistan influence future Chinese investments in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, South Asia Security Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The recent statements from China’s Foreign Ministry emphasize their support for Pakistan in fighting terrorism, especially following the tragic suicide attack in Karachi. What do you make of China’s assertion of support?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. China’s affirmation of support for Pakistan is significant, particularly in light of increasing terrorist threats in the region. This move underscores China’s strategic interests in Pakistan, notably regarding security for its investments, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Supporting Pakistan aligns with China’s broader agenda of stabilizing the region to ensure the safety of its citizens and projects.
**Editor:** The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the recent attacks targeting Chinese nationals. How do you see this impacting Sino-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Thompson:** The BLA’s attacks are alarming for Sino-Pakistan relations, but both countries have historically weathered such challenges. China’s commitment to safeguarding its nationals and investments is critical; however, it also signifies that Islamabad needs to tackle domestic terrorism more effectively. If Pakistan fails to do so, it could strain relations and raise concerns about continued Chinese investment.
**Editor:** Lin Jian mentioned that terrorism is a common enemy of mankind and expressed a commitment to mutual trust and cooperation. How do international perceptions of China’s role in combating terrorism play into this?
**Dr. Thompson:** China’s role as a global player in counter-terrorism is complex. While they position themselves as a partner in the fight against terrorism, some critics argue that their actions may sometimes appear selective or opportunistic, particularly in regions where they have strategic investments. The international community watches closely how China balances its counter-terrorism efforts while pursuing its geopolitical interests.
**Editor:** Lastly, given the rising tensions and threats in the region, what do you think the future holds for China-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Thompson:** The future of China-Pakistan relations will heavily depend on Pakistan’s ability to effectively manage internal security challenges while fostering economic cooperation. If Pakistan can successfully combat terrorism, it can reinforce its importance as a strategic partner for China. However, persistent security issues could lead to increased scrutiny from China about its investments and involvement in Pakistan. Ultimately, continued dialogue and cooperation will be essential.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your time.