2 Attacks in Six Months Against Chinese in Pakistan Unacceptable: Chinese Envoy

2 Attacks in Six Months Against Chinese in Pakistan Unacceptable: Chinese Envoy : The recent surge in violence targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, deeming the situation “unacceptable.”

In a rare public expression of dissatisfaction, the ambassador underscored the implications of these security lapses on the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

2 Attacks in Six Months Against Chinese in Pakistan

In a span of just six months, two significant attacks have targeted Chinese nationals in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of foreign investments in the country.

The first incident occurred in March 2023, when a convoy of Chinese workers near Gwadar, in the Balochistan province, was attacked, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for this heinous act.

The second incident transpired earlier this month, on October 7, when another attack near Karachi’s international airport led to the deaths of two more Chinese nationals. The Chinese embassy in Pakistan labeled this incident as a “terrorist attack,” further highlighting the risks faced by Chinese personnel operating in the region.

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In addition to these recent attacks, there is a troubling history of violence against Chinese nationals in Pakistan. In March 2022, five Chinese engineers and their local driver were killed in a suicide bombing while traveling to the Dasu dam, Pakistan’s largest hydropower project, which is being constructed with Chinese assistance.

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This consistent targeting of Chinese citizens has raised alarm bells in Beijing, prompting the Chinese government to take a firmer stance on security issues in Pakistan.

Diplomatic Tensions and Security Concerns

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong’s remarks during the recent seminar titled ‘China at 75’ signal a growing impatience on the part of the Chinese government regarding security lapses in Pakistan.

His public comments, delivered before Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, emphasized that without a secure environment, the CPEC project, a cornerstone of China-Pakistan economic cooperation, would be severely hampered. He stated, “It is very unacceptable for us to be attacked twice in only six months and these attacks have also caused casualties.”

The ambassador’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among Chinese officials regarding the safety of their citizens and investments in Pakistan. The CPEC project, which aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic development between China and Pakistan, relies heavily on a stable and secure environment. Security is a paramount concern, especially in regions like Balochistan, which have witnessed a history of violence and instability.

The implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate security concerns. They impact Chinese investment in Pakistan and threaten the long-term prospects of economic collaboration between the two countries. The Chinese government has been increasingly vocal about its concerns, as highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Dar’s acknowledgment of the apprehensions expressed by Chinese leadership regarding investments in Pakistan.

Dar noted that Pakistan is taking action against terrorists and plans to share progress on security measures in an upcoming meeting between Pakistani President Asif Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Future of Sino-Pakistani Relations

The recent attacks and the subsequent diplomatic fallout underscore the precarious balance of Sino-Pakistani relations. While both nations have historically enjoyed a close partnership, recent events have put a strain on this relationship, particularly concerning security issues. The Chinese government has made it clear that enhancing security for Chinese nationals and investments in Pakistan is a non-negotiable priority.

Ambassador Jiang’s remarks calling for Pakistan to “severely punish the perpetrators” and crack down on all anti-China terrorist groups reflect a desire for actionable measures from Islamabad. The Chinese government’s insistence on stricter security measures aligns with its broader strategic goals in the region.

With CPEC being a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ensuring the safety of Chinese investments in Pakistan is crucial for Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions.

The future of Sino-Pakistani relations hinges on Pakistan’s ability to address these security concerns effectively. A failure to do so could jeopardize ongoing and future investments, undermining the economic benefits that both countries hope to achieve through their partnership. Furthermore, a deteriorating security situation could lead to increased skepticism within China regarding the reliability of Pakistan as a partner.

The attacks against Chinese nationals in Pakistan highlight significant challenges facing the bilateral relationship between these two nations. The growing security concerns voiced by Chinese officials demonstrate a critical juncture for the future of CPEC and broader economic cooperation.

As both countries navigate these challenges, a collaborative approach to enhance security measures will be essential to restore confidence and ensure the success of their ambitious economic initiatives.

Addressing the root causes of violence and fostering a safer environment for foreign investments will be crucial in sustaining the Sino-Pakistani partnership in the years to come. Only through decisive actions can Pakistan reassure China of its commitment to protecting its interests, thus paving the way for a more prosperous and secure future.