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 specific measures can China and Pakistan implement to enhance security for Chinese nationals following recent attacks?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Ahmed, Political Analyst on China-Pakistan Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmed. Let’s start with the recent declarations from the Chinese government regarding their support for Pakistan in combating terrorism. What are the implications of this support?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. China’s assertion of support for Pakistan in fighting terrorism indicates a strengthening of their diplomatic ties, particularly in the face of rising security threats. This partnership reflects China’s vested interest in ensuring the safety of its nationals and projects in Pakistan, especially given the recent attacks on Chinese citizens.
**Editor:** As we observed, the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack that killed two Chinese nationals. How does this underscore the challenges China faces in Pakistan?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Absolutely. The BLA’s targeting of Chinese nationals highlights a significant challenge for both governments. These terrorist groups are not only a threat to foreign nationals but also destabilize the region and could deter foreign investment, which is crucial for Pakistan’s economic development. This situation necessitates heightened security measures and international cooperation to combat these terrorism threats effectively.
**Editor:** The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized terrorism as a “common enemy of mankind.” How do you interpret this statement?
**Dr. Ahmed:** That statement underscores a broader narrative that China is trying to project: that all nations must unite against terrorism. It reinforces that China sees itself not just as a partner to Pakistan but as a responsible global player. However, it also subtly shifts the narrative to framing terrorism itself as a primary threat to its interests, which enables them to cement their influence in the region under the guise of fighting a common enemy.
**Editor:** Lin Jian also mentioned that China would continue supporting Pakistan in its socio-economic development. What does this mean for the future of Sino-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Ahmed:** This is crucial because it reflects China’s long-term strategic vision. By investing in Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure, such as through projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China’s influence in the region will likely grow. This kind of economic partnership allows China to foster stability and goodwill, which is essential for both nations to counteract external threats like terrorism.
**Editor:** In light of the recent attacks, what should be the priority for both China and Pakistan moving forward?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The immediate priority should be enhancing security protocols for Chinese nationals and investments in Pakistan. However, it’s equally important for both countries to engage in deeper dialog to address underlying grievances that fuel terrorism. Economic development programs that benefit local communities can play a critical role in this. Ultimately, a multifaceted approach is essential for sustainable peace and security in the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that the relationship between China and Pakistan is more critical now than ever.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. It will certainly be interesting to see how these dynamics evolve in the coming months.