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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**Interview with Dr. Amira Khan: Expert on Sino-Pak Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. Recent statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry indicate a robust commitment to support Pakistan in combating terrorism. How significant is this backing, especially in light of the recent attacks in Karachi?
**Dr. Amira Khan:** Thank you for having me. China’s support for Pakistan in the fight against terrorism is indeed significant. The endorsement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry reflects not just bilateral ties but a shared commitment to regional stability. The tragic suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport, which targeted Chinese nationals, emphasized the necessity of such support, as it directly threatens the safety of foreign investments in Pakistan.
**Interviewer:** The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks. How does this impact Sino-Pak relations, and what measures might China take in response?
**Dr. Amira Khan:** The actions of the BLA complicate the security landscape for both China and Pakistan. China perceives these attacks as not just strikes against its nationals but as threats to its broader Belt and Road Initiative investments. In response, we can expect China to bolster its security measures for its citizens and assets in Pakistan, while also intensifying intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration with the Pakistani military to mitigate these threats.
**Interviewer:** Lin Jian emphasized the importance of international cooperation against terrorism. How crucial is this viewpoint in the current global context?
**Dr. Amira Khan:** Lin Jian’s statement highlights a critical stance that terrorism is a global issue that necessitates a united front. In today’s interconnected world, no country can combat these threats in isolation. His affirmation that “terrorism is a common enemy of mankind” is pivotal, as it calls on the international community to collaborate and share resources, intelligence, and strategies to address these challenges comprehensively.
**Interviewer:** how do you envision the future of Sino-Pakistan relations in light of continued security challenges?
**Dr. Amira Khan:** I believe the future of Sino-Pak relations will be heavily influenced by security dynamics but also economic cooperation. As both nations are committed to strengthening their strategic partnership, we can expect initiatives focused not only on security cooperation but also on economic development. This holistic approach will require efforts to stabilize the region and create a conducive environment for investment and trade, vital for both nations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial to understand the implications of these developments for both regional stability and international relations.
**Dr. Amira Khan:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations going.