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 China’s involvement in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism affect its relationship with other regional powers?
**Interview on China’s Support for Pakistan in Combatting Terrorism**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, everyone. Today we have a special guest, economic-activities-army-chief/” title=”Actions will be continued with full force against illegal economic activities: Army Chief”>Dr. Sarah Khan, a political analyst specializing in Sino-Pak relations. Dr. Khan, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** China recently reaffirmed its commitment to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, especially after the tragic suicide attack in Karachi that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals. What can you tell us about the significance of this support?
**Dr. Khan:** China’s support is crucial for Pakistan, particularly in the current climate of rising extremism. The Chinese government has made it clear that it prioritizes the safety of its citizens abroad, especially given the recent attacks that have targeted their nationals in Pakistan, like the one claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army.
**Interviewer:** Indeed. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, emphasized that terrorism is a common enemy of mankind. How does this perspective shape the international response to terrorism?
**Dr. Khan:** It underscores the necessity for a united front against terrorism. Lin Jian’s remarks highlight that fighting terrorism is a collective responsibility, not just a regional one. By framing it this way, China is calling for collaboration among nations to prevent future tragedies, fostering a sense of shared duty in addressing the root causes and manifestations of terrorism.
**Interviewer:** Lin also indicated that China and Pakistan are strong strategic partners and will not allow anything to undermine their relationship. What does this partnership entail, especially in terms of economic collaboration?
**Dr. Khan:** The partnership is multifaceted. Economically, China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Pakistan, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This not only aids Pakistan’s development but also secures Chinese interests in the region. China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic growth is a critical component of their relationship, providing stability that is essential for combating terrorism.
**Interviewer:** As we consider the historical context, how has the partnership evolved in recent years, particularly with respect to regional stability?
**Dr. Khan:** Over the past decade, the partnership has transformed from merely economic cooperation to a robust strategic alliance. Both nations face similar security challenges, so their cooperation has grown more comprehensive, encompassing military, economic, and intelligence-sharing dimensions. This evolution is crucial for regional stability, particularly given the geopolitical shifts in South Asia.
**Interviewer:** with the rising concerns over terrorism in Pakistan, what steps do you think are crucial for the Pakistani government moving forward?
**Dr. Khan:** The Pakistani government needs to enhance its counter-terrorism measures, focusing on intelligence gathering and community engagement to prevent radicalization. Moreover, working closely with China and other international partners will be vital in addressing these security threats effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the support from China holds significant implications for Pakistan and regional security.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe and informed.
