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 impact could China’s commitment to support Pakistan have on regional security and stability in South Asia?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Malik, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Malik. We’ve just heard about China’s renewed commitment to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, especially after the recent tragic events. What do you make of this development?
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. This reaffirmation of support from China is significant, especially in the context of recent attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The relationship between China and Pakistan has deepened over the years, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, making the safety of Chinese investments a priority for Beijing.
**Editor:** Right. The recent suicide attack near the Karachi airport claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army has raised concerns. How might this affect China’s investment in Pakistan?
**Dr. Malik:** This kind of violence certainly poses a risk to Chinese investments and could lead to a reevaluation of security measures for Chinese workers and projects in the region. However, China’s strong response suggests that they are willing to reinforce their presence and protection rather than retreat, reinforcing the notion that terrorism is a shared threat that both nations must combat together.
**Editor:** Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that terrorism is a “common enemy of mankind.” How important is international cooperation in addressing this issue?
**Dr. Malik:** Absolutely crucial. Terrorism transcends borders, and as such, it requires a collaborative response. By framing the issue as one that affects the global community, it not only helps to galvanize resources and intelligence-sharing among countries but also reinforces the idea that no single nation can tackle it alone. The cooperation between China and Pakistan can serve as a model for how nations can work together effectively against this shared threat.
**Editor:** Lin Jian also mentioned the importance of protecting the safety and security of Chinese citizens abroad. What measures do you think could be put in place to ensure this safety?
**Dr. Malik:** Enhanced security protocols at high-risk sites, increased diplomatic engagements, and intelligence-sharing between nations are essential steps. Additionally, the establishment of rapid-response teams and the bolstering of local security forces in regions where Chinese investments are concentrated could help mitigate risks. a multi-faceted approach is necessary to guarantee safety on the ground.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, how could this situation influence the broader geopolitical landscape in South Asia?
**Dr. Malik:** This situation could further solidify the China-Pakistan partnership as a counterbalance to influence from other major powers in the region. However, it may also increase tensions with local groups who may perceive Chinese investments and involvement as encroachments on sovereignty. The implications are complex, and the evolution of this dynamic will be critical for the region’s stability.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Malik. It seems that the relationship between China and Pakistan will be pivotal in the fight against terrorism in the region.
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. It will certainly be interesting to monitor how this partnership evolves in the coming months and years.
