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 role does China’s commitment to Pakistan play in shaping regional security dynamics in South Asia?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Whitaker, Expert on International Relations and South Asian Security**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Whitaker. We’ve just seen a strong statement from Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian regarding China’s support for Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, particularly following the recent tragic events. What are your thoughts on China’s commitment to Pakistan in this context?
**Dr. Whitaker:** Thank you for having me. China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in combating terrorism is quite significant, especially in light of the recent attacks that have targeted Chinese nationals. This solidarity showcases the depth of their strategic partnership, which has been evolving over the years.
**Editor:** It’s interesting to note that the recent suicide attack in Karachi resulted in the deaths of two Chinese citizens. How does such violence impact the broader China-Pakistan relationship?
**Dr. Whitaker:** Such incidents undoubtedly strain relations, but they also reinforce the notion that both countries are in this fight together. China views the safety of its citizens abroad as a major priority, and the government is likely to increase its support to strengthen security measures for its nationals in Pakistan.
**Editor:** Lin Jian also mentioned that “terrorism is a common enemy of mankind.” How might this perspective influence international cooperation in fighting terrorism?
**Dr. Whitaker:** That statement emphasizes a collective responsibility toward combating terrorism, which is essential for fostering deeper international alliances. If countries can agree on a common enemy, it opens avenues for collaborative security measures and intelligence-sharing, ultimately creating a united front against the threat of terrorism.
**Editor:** What are the implications of the Balochistan Liberation Army’s involvement in these attacks for China-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Whitaker:** The BLA’s claim of responsibility complicates the situation. China has significant investments in Pakistan, particularly through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. If attacks continue, it could lead to increased security measures and an even more pronounced military presence in the region, which might be viewed as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and could create tension between ally nations.
**Editor:** what do you anticipate for future cooperation between China and Pakistan in terms of economic and social development, as mentioned by Lin Jian?
**Dr. Whitaker:** I believe we will see continued support from China in economic and infrastructure development, but with an emphasis on security. China’s approach will likely include integrating security provisions within developmental projects to ensure the safety of investments. This dual focus could lead to more robust economic ties while also addressing the ongoing security concerns stemming from terrorism.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Whitaker. It will be interesting to see how this evolving situation unfolds in the coming months.
**Dr. Whitaker:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a critical period for both nations.