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 does the recent spike in attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan affect the broader Sino-Pak relationship and future investments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)?
**Interview with Dr. Emma Chen, Expert on Sino-Pak Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for joining us today. Let’s dive into the recent statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. What does this renewed commitment from China to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism signify for their bilateral relationship?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. China’s support for Pakistan, especially in the context of combating terrorism, underscores the depth of their strategic partnership. Both nations view terrorism as a mutual enemy, which strengthens their ties. It also highlights China’s intent to safeguard its investments and citizens in Pakistan, as we saw with the unfortunate fatalities of Chinese nationals due to a recent attack.
**Editor:** You mentioned the recent suicide attack. Can you shed some light on the implications of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claiming responsibility for this attack?
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely. The BLA’s claim is alarmingly significant as it illustrates the ongoing insecurity faced by foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens in Pakistan. This incident may strain perceptions of safety for Chinese investments, which are crucial for Pakistan’s economic development under initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China’s response—asserting a firm stance against terrorism—indicates an unwillingness to let such incidents derail their cooperative agenda.
**Editor:** During the press conference, Lin Jian mentioned that “terrorism is a common enemy of mankind.” How does this principle influence international cooperation against terrorism?
**Dr. Chen:** It serves as a rallying point for nations to unite against terrorism. By framing it as a global threat, countries can foster collaboration beyond bilateral arrangements. This perspective may encourage joint intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and a unified approach to combatting extremism. It’s about building an international consensus that can effectively address the root causes of terrorism.
**Editor:** what future steps do you anticipate China and Pakistan will take in fortifying their alliance against terrorism and promoting economic cooperation?
**Dr. Chen:** I expect we will see enhanced security measures protecting Chinese assets and citizens in Pakistan. Moreover, there will likely be increased discussions around economic cooperation beyond military aid—focusing on infrastructure development, educational exchanges, and social programs. Both governments are keen on demonstrating that they can provide stability and prosperity, which is essential for maintaining public support amidst these challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights on this complex and critical issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me.
