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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What are the key factors driving China’s support for Pakistan amidst the current terrorism challenges?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Khan, Expert on China-Pakistan Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. With recent events highlighting the issue of terrorism in Pakistan, how do you perceive China’s continued support for Pakistan in combating this challenge?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in fighting terrorism is quite significant, particularly in light of recent attacks, such as the tragic suicide bombing at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. This support underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries, especially as they aim to secure stability in the region.
**Editor:** Indeed, Lin Jian emphasized the importance of safeguarding Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan following the escalation in violence. How do you think this will affect Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in the country?
**Dr. Khan:** China’s investments, especially within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), are foundational for Pakistan’s economic growth. While the safety of Chinese citizens is paramount, ongoing threats could impact both the pace and scale of investment. However, the firm stance from China suggests that they are willing to continue and possibly strengthen their engagement despite these challenges.
**Editor:** Lin Jian also mentioned that terrorism is a common enemy and highlighted the shared responsibility of the international community. What does that mean for Pakistan’s global partnerships moving forward?
**Dr. Khan:** It suggests that Pakistan may seek enhanced cooperation with other nations to combat the menace of terrorism. This could lead to a multi-faceted approach involving intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and possibly increased military collaboration. The emphasis on collective responsibility can also help Pakistan improve its image on a global scale, given its ongoing challenges with extremism.
**Editor:** Lastly, what are the broader implications of this relationship for international relations in the region?
**Dr. Khan:** The deepening ties between China and Pakistan could indeed shift regional dynamics. As China strengthens its influence, it may lead to a counter-reaction from other countries, particularly India and the United States. It could spark an arms race or intensify existing geopolitical tensions. However, if managed well, this partnership might lead to greater regional stability if both nations can successfully address the issues of terrorism and economic development.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time and expertise.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical topic.
