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 might this incident influence future Chinese investments in Pakistan amidst ongoing security threats?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Ahmed, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Ahmed. Thank you for joining us today to discuss China’s recent affirmation of support for Pakistan in combatting terrorism. Can you share your insights on the implications of this support following the recent attacks in Karachi?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Good afternoon! Yes, the situation is quite significant. China’s endorsement of Pakistan in its battle against terrorism highlights the deep strategic alliance between the two nations. The suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport that resulted in fatalities of Chinese nationals certainly escalates the urgency for cooperation in security matters.
**Editor:** Right, and the attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, which has previously targeted Chinese projects in Pakistan. How do you see this affecting China’s investments in the region?
**Dr. Ahmed:** China’s investments, particularly under its Belt and Road Initiative, are vital for both countries. However, these security concerns could lead to increased military and economic measures from China to safeguard its investments. The ongoing threats may force China to reassess how it engages with Pakistan, ensuring that its assets and nationals are protected.
**Editor:** Lin Jian emphasized that terrorism is a common enemy and that the international community shares the responsibility to combat it. How might this resonate with the broader context of global counter-terrorism efforts?
**Dr. Ahmed:** That’s a crucial point. China’s call for a unified approach against terrorism aligns with many global narratives, especially as terrorism transcends borders. However, it also raises questions about how different states define and respond to terrorism. The international community must approach this victim-centered, ensuring genuine collaboration rather than just political posturing.
**Editor:** Given the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, do you think this incident could strengthen their ties further or create tensions?
**Dr. Ahmed:** It could do both. On one hand, the shared threat of terrorism may bolster their strategic partnership, enhancing military cooperation and intelligence sharing. On the other hand, if security issues persist and China faces repeated attacks, it could lead to domestic pressures for a reassessment of its role in Pakistan. It’s a delicate balance.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you think are the next steps for both countries in light of this situation?
**Dr. Ahmed:** I believe we will see a dual approach: first, an immediate focus on security measures to protect Chinese nationals and projects; and second, a sustained effort to address underlying economic issues in Pakistan. By improving economic stability, both countries can work towards reducing the appeal of extremism while securing China’s investments in the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for your insights on this matter. It’s a complex and evolving situation, and your expertise is invaluable in understanding it.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these discussions alive as events unfold.
