China has urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese workers following a surge in militant attacks targeting Beijing’s $60 billion investments in the country.
Recently, two Chinese engineers were killed in a bomb attack by ethnic separatists on a convoy leaving Karachi’s international airport. The convoy belonged to the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, a major Chinese investment in Pakistan.
This attack occurred just before Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Islamabad for a bilateral meeting and Shanghai Cooperation Council summit.
The Chinese embassy in Islamabad has called on Pakistan to take strong action against the perpetrators and enhance security measures to protect Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in the country.
The Port Qasim plant is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a significant investment initiative under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road program.
China’s Ministry of State Security emphasized the importance of Pakistan fulfilling its security obligations regarding CPEC.
The attack also impacted Pakistan’s negotiations with Chinese energy investors for debt restructuring, causing some delays, according to Pakistan’s power minister.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, a prominent separatist group in the province hosting several Chinese projects, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Militant groups in Balochistan and the Pakistani Taliban have escalated attacks across the country, making Pakistan a hub for terrorism following the withdrawal of US and Nato troops from Afghanistan.
The MSS highlighted the need for increased vigilance in Pakistan due to global power shifts, urging China to protect its interests abroad more actively.
National security agencies were advised to focus on protecting overseas interests and citizens to maintain safety in Pakistan.
Previous attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan have raised concerns and prompted calls for enhanced security measures to safeguard investments and individuals.
Efforts are being made to address the security challenges and ensure a conducive environment for Chinese investment in Pakistan.
Collaboration between Pakistan and China in intelligence and counterterrorism is seen as crucial to sustaining Chinese involvement in the country.