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.
news">Also read: China Fights Double Standards for Handling Terrorism
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.
news">Also read: A number of terrorist attacks in southwest Pakistan, 46 killed
“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.
news">Also read: 25 Countries with the Largest Population in 2023
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.
news">Also read: 70 Youth from Various Countries Participate in the 2024 ASEAN Future Leaders Summit
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)
#China #Supports #Pakistan #Fight #Terrorism
How does China plan to enhance its security cooperation with Pakistan in the wake of recent terrorist attacks?
**Interview with Lin Jian, Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Lin. China has recently reiterated its support for Pakistan in combating terrorism. Could you elaborate on what this support entails?
**Lin Jian:** Thank you for having me. China remains committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. This includes our readiness to enhance security cooperation and intelligence sharing to protect our citizens and joint projects in Pakistan.
**Interviewer:** Following the tragic suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, how do you perceive the impact on Sino-Pakistan relations?
**Lin Jian:** We view this attack as an attempt to undermine our strong friendship. However, our determination and capability to thwart such actions remain steadfast. We will ensure that those behind these tragedies pay the price, and we will continue to work closely with Pakistan to enhance safety measures for our citizens.
**Interviewer:** The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. What is China’s stance on groups like the BLA that target foreign nationals?
**Lin Jian:** Terrorism, in all its forms, is a common enemy of mankind. Organizations like the BLA threaten not just foreign nationals, but the security and stability of Pakistan itself. Therefore, it is crucial for the international community to unite against such extremist groups.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized the importance of international cooperation in fighting terrorism. Can you specify how China plans to collaborate with Pakistan and other nations?
**Lin Jian:** China believes in shared responsibility. We are committed to engaging with the international community to develop comprehensive strategies against terrorism. In addition to security cooperation, we aim to assist Pakistan in economic development, which is essential for long-term stability.
**Interviewer:** Can you share your thoughts on the broader implications of terrorism on development in Pakistan?
**Lin Jian:** Terrorism hampers progress and creates an environment of fear, which affects economic growth and societal improvement. It is vital for Pakistan to root out terrorism to advance its development agenda. Our cooperation focuses not just on security, but also on improving the lives of the Pakistani people.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Lin. It’s clear that the situation requires a committed and collaborative approach from all stakeholders.
**Lin Jian:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can overcome these challenges and foster a safer environment for our citizens.