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 potential implications of China’s support for Pakistan on regional stability and security?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Khan, Geopolitical Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. The recent statements from the Chinese government reaffirming their support for Pakistan in combating terrorism come in the wake of recent attacks that have targeted Chinese citizens. How significant do you think this support is for Pakistan, especially considering the rise of groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. China’s support is critical for Pakistan, especially as terrorism poses a significant threat to both the safety of citizens and the stability of regional projects, like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The unfortunate events, such as the recent attack near Jinnah International Airport, highlight the ongoing security challenges. Beijing’s commitment not only reassures Pakistan but also sends a strong message to terrorist groups that targeting Chinese interests will have consequences.
**Editor:** Lin Jian mentioned that China seeks to protect its citizens, projects, and institutions overseas. In what ways do you see this commitment manifesting in practical terms?
**Dr. Khan:** China has historically been proactive in its defense of its investments abroad, and we can expect an increase in security cooperation and intelligence sharing between China and Pakistan. Moreover, there might be enhanced funding and resources allocated to fortify security measures around Chinese projects in Pakistan. This partnership could evolve into a more integrated approach to counterterrorism, blending military and economic strategies.
**Editor:** You mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. How does ongoing terrorism and instability affect the longevity and success of this initiative?
**Dr. Khan:** Terrorism poses a significant risk to the sustainability of such major infrastructure projects. Increased attacks can lead to heightened security costs, potential withdrawal of foreign investments, and strained public opinion. However, the strong strategic partnership indicated by both nations suggests that they are committed to overcoming these hurdles. The desire to maintain economic growth through such projects often incentivizes both governments to address the underlying security issues collaboratively.
**Editor:** Lin Jian referred to terrorism as a “common enemy of mankind.” How does this framing influence international relations and the collective approach to counterterrorism efforts?
**Dr. Khan:** This framing highlights the need for a unified response to terrorism transcending borders. It appeals for collaborative international efforts, which can lead to better coordination among nations in intelligence sharing and policy-making. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that counterterrorism measures do not infringe on human rights or escalate tensions globally. A balanced approach that addresses the root causes of terrorism, as well as its manifestations, is essential for genuine progress.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Khan:** My pleasure! It’s crucial to keep these conversations ongoing to foster a better understanding of these complex dynamics.