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 from 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 Rp. 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 transport 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 specific measures do you think China will implement to enhance its support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations in light of recent attacks on Chinese nationals?
**Interview with Dr. Ayesha Rahman, Political Analyst on China-Pakistan Relations and Counter-Terrorism Efforts**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Rahman. Thank you for joining us today. We recently heard about China’s firm commitment to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, particularly following the tragic suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport. What do you think this support entails for both nations?
**Dr. Rahman:** Thank you for having me. China’s support for Pakistan in combating terrorism has multifaceted implications. It mainly involves increased intelligence sharing, military cooperation, and possibly more economic assistance aimed at stabilizing Pakistan’s socio-economic structure, which can indirectly bolster its security efforts.
**Editor:** The attacks on Chinese nationals have raised significant concerns. How do you see the response from both the Chinese and Pakistani governments evolving in light of these incidents?
**Dr. Rahman:** Both governments appear to be doubling down on their strategic partnership. China’s Foreign Ministry has emphasized the safety of Chinese nationals abroad, and Pakistan will likely enhance security measures around Chinese projects. However, it’s crucial for Pakistan to address the root causes of terrorism to ensure long-term stability, which is a broader challenge.
**Editor:** The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the recent attacks. How does this impact Sino-Pakistan relations?
**Dr. Rahman:** The BLA’s actions certainly strain relations, but they also reaffirm China’s resolve to support Pakistan. Both nations understand that tackling such insurgent groups is fundamental to their shared strategic interests. Hence, while the immediate impact could be negative, it may also strengthen their military and counter-terrorism cooperation.
**Editor:** Lin Jian stated that terrorism is a common enemy and that it’s the international community’s responsibility to combat it. What role do you think other countries should play in this situation?
**Dr. Rahman:** The global dimension of terrorism necessitates a multilateral approach. Countries must contribute to intelligence-sharing frameworks and counter-terrorism efforts. However, the complexities of international politics often hinder cohesive action. Still, fostering dialog and cooperation among nations is essential to effectively combat terrorism in regions affected by it.
**Editor:** Lastly, Lin Jian mentioned China’s commitment to aiding Pakistan in strengthening its economy and society. How significant is this aspect of their relationship?
**Dr. Rahman:** Economic development is critical for Pakistan, as it addresses underlying issues that contribute to unrest and extremism. By improving social conditions and creating job opportunities, you reduce the breeding ground for terrorism. China’s Belt and Road Initiative plays a pivotal role in this, and it’s a strategic move to ensure stability in a key partner country.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your insights on this important issue. It’s crucial for us to keep an eye on the developments in this area as they unfold.
**Dr. Rahman:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital topics.
