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)
#China #Supports #Pakistan #Fight #Terrorism
How does China’s ongoing support for Pakistan in counter-terrorism shape the geopolitical landscape of South Asia?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Expert on International Relations and Security Affairs**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent statements from the Chinese government regarding their support for Pakistan in fighting terrorism.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, especially in the current geopolitical climate.
**Host:** The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated its commitment to help Pakistan eradicate terrorism, particularly after the recent tragic events, including the suicide attack in Karachi. What does this signify for Sino-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Carter:** China’s support is emblematic of the deep strategic ties between the two nations. By affirming their partnership, China not only aims to protect its citizens and investments in Pakistan but also seeks to maintain stability in the region, viewing terrorism as a threat to their broader Belt and Road Initiative.
**Host:** The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, a group known to target Chinese nationals in Pakistan. How does this impact China’s foreign policy in the region?
**Dr. Carter:** This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the relationship between China and Pakistan, yet it also highlights China’s resolve.
They are likely to intensify security measures for their nationals and investments while further engaging with Pakistan on counter-terrorism efforts. If China can effectively support Pakistan in addressing these threats, it can potentially mitigate risks to its interests in the region.
**Host:** Lin Jian stated that “terrorism is a common enemy of mankind.” Can we expect to see more collaborative international efforts to combat terrorism moving forward?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. China is framing the fight against terrorism as a shared global responsibility. This can open doors to greater international cooperation, especially with countries that share similar concerns about terrorism. However, it’s also worth noting that China’s approach often includes asserting its influence, so this may lead to complex dynamics in international relations.
**Host:** The commitment to enhance cooperation in various fields with Pakistan was also mentioned. What are some of the implications of this for Pakistan’s socio-economic development?
**Dr. Carter:** Increased cooperation could lead to significant economic aid and infrastructure development projects facilitated by China. This partnership can help Pakistan bolster its economy, but it could also lead to increased reliance on China. Development projects will need to be managed well to ensure they benefit the local population and are not merely extractive in nature.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics evolve in the future.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you, it’s been a pleasure discussing this significant issue.
