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 will the recent security cooperation between China and Pakistan impact their economic partnership moving forward?
**Interview with Dr. Laura Chen, Analyst on Sino-Pak Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. The recent statement from the Chinese government expressing its support for Pakistan in eradicating terrorism has garnered significant attention. Can you provide an overview of the context behind this declaration?
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely. The backdrop to this affirmation of support stems from a series of violent incidents in Pakistan, particularly the tragic suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, which claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned group known for targeting Chinese citizens in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for this attack. Given the deep economic ties between China and Pakistan, particularly through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China is taking a strong stance to protect its nationals and investments.
**Editor:** What does this support entail, and how does it align with China’s broader strategy in the region?
**Dr. Chen:** China’s support encompasses diplomatic backing and security cooperation. The Chinese government has articulated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad and will likely increase its security presence in Pakistan. This move aligns with China’s broader strategy of fostering stability in the region, which is crucial for its economic investments and geopolitical interests. Beijing sees a stable Pakistan as essential for its Belt and Road Initiative and overall influence in South Asia.
**Editor:** Lin Jian mentioned that “terrorism is a common enemy of mankind.” How does this sentiment resonate with the international community?
**Dr. Chen:** Lin’s statement echoes a sentiment shared by many nations; terrorism is indeed a global challenge. The international community must cooperate to tackle this issue collectively. However, it’s critical to note that different countries often have varying definitions of terrorism, which can complicate collaborative efforts. China is advocating for a unified front against terrorism while also emphasizing its unique geopolitical perspectives and interests in Pakistan.
**Editor:** What can we expect in terms of future cooperation between China and Pakistan following this incident and the statements made?
**Dr. Chen:** I anticipate that we will see increased security collaboration, potentially including joint counter-terrorism operations or intelligence sharing. Economically, China will likely intensify its investment in Pakistan, especially in sectors that bolster security and infrastructure. Also, public diplomacy efforts will be ramped up to enhance people-to-people ties, emphasizing their long-standing friendship to reinforce bilateral relations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights. It’s clear that the dynamics between China and Pakistan are evolving in response to security challenges, and it will be interesting to see how these relations develop in the coming months.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to contribute to the discussion.