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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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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 is the socio-economic development strategy being implemented to address the root causes of extremism in Pakistan?
**Interview with Lin Jian: China’s Commitment to Supporting Pakistan Against Terrorism**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Lin Jian. Very recently, you reaffirmed China’s commitment to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Can you elaborate on what this support entails?
**Lin Jian**: Thank you for having me. China stands firmly with Pakistan in combating terrorism, which we view as a common threat that transcends borders. Our support includes intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and enhancing security for Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan. We believe that by strengthening our cooperation, we can effectively combat this menace.
**Interviewer**: Just recently, a tragic suicide attack occurred near Jinnah International Airport, leading to the deaths of two Chinese nationals. How does this incident affect the relationship between China and Pakistan?
**Lin Jian**: Such tragic events only reinforce our commitment to safeguard each other. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for this act, and it’s collaborative efforts between our nations that are crucial in preventing such attacks. Both China and Pakistan are determined to ensure that those who perpetrate terror will face consequences.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that terrorism is a common enemy. What steps are being taken to ensure that these tragic events do not occur again?
**Lin Jian**: We are working closely with the Pakistani government to bolster security measures and address the root causes of extremism. We believe that development is key to stability, so our efforts also focus on socio-economic initiatives that benefit the local population, reducing the allure of extremist ideologies.
**Interviewer**: China’s relationship with Pakistan is often described as a strong strategic partnership. How do you see this evolving in the context of the ongoing security challenges?
**Lin Jian**: Our partnership is resilient and deeply rooted in shared interests. We aim to enhance mutual trust and cooperation. Terrorism will not derail our objectives; instead, it will further solidify our resolve to work together. We are committed to implementing our cooperation across various fields for the mutual benefit of our nations.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what message do you have for those who may doubt the strength of Sino-Pakistani relations in the face of these challenges?
**Lin Jian**: I want to emphasize that attempts to undermine our friendship will not succeed. We are united in our fight against terrorism and are dedicated to ensuring peace and stability in our region. The bond between our people is strong, and together, we will navigate through these challenges.