- China reaffirms commitment to support Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives and socio-economic stability.
- Recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan highlight security concerns within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian emphasizes the enduring “iron-clad friendship” between the two nations, pledging continued economic and security collaboration.
- Despite security challenges, China maintains its support for CPEC, signaling resilience against attempts to destabilize bilateral relations.
China reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives on Monday, underscoring the depth of its “iron-clad friendship” with Pakistan. The statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian follows a series of attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, especially those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has raised security concerns in Beijing. This development reflects the evolving dynamics of Pakistan-China relations, particularly in their joint resolve to combat terrorism that threatens their shared regional goals.
China Assures Pakistan It’s Support
During a briefing in Beijing, Lin emphasized China’s dedication to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism and stabilize its socio-economic environment. He acknowledged that terrorist attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan may be deliberate attempts to strain the countries’ strategic partnership, especially within the CPEC framework. “China will continue to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism,” he affirmed, signaling Beijing’s unwavering commitment to assist its partner in quelling threats that could jeopardize both nations’ security.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, is essential to China’s regional economic ambitions and to Pakistan’s infrastructural growth. However, this initiative has increasingly become a focal point for militants aiming to destabilize the region.
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Beijing’s determination to safeguard CPEC personnel and assets is paramount to the success of the project, and Lin reiterated this commitment by stating, “We are firm in our commitment to protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions overseas.”
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, is essential to China’s regional economic ambitions and to Pakistan’s infrastructural growth. However, this initiative has increasingly become a focal point for militants aiming to destabilize the region.
China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Lin’s comments suggest that China views recent attacks on its nationals as attempts to sow distrust and hinder the economic collaboration underpinning the CPEC. The spokesperson voiced confidence in the countries’ collective ability to counter such efforts, asserting that “China and Pakistan have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price.” This mutual resolve underscores both nations’ recognition of security as an essential component of their strategic alliance.
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Further emphasizing the resilience of this relationship, Lin referenced the historical ties and “deep-rooted friendship” between China and Pakistan. Despite tensions in recent weeks—marked by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong’s unusually critical remarks on Pakistan’s security measures—the strategic partnership appears robust. Ambassador Jiang’s comments had sparked a public exchange with Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), where FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described his remarks as “perplexing.” This rare display of discord pointed to China’s growing frustration over repeated incidents endangering its nationals.
China to continue support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts
Lin’s statements, however, aim to reaffirm Beijing’s long-term dedication to Pakistan’s economic and security stability. He reiterated China’s resolve to advance Pakistan’s socio-economic development, indicating that CPEC will continue despite current security issues. This assurance underscores China’s broader geopolitical investment in Pakistan, not only as a neighbor but as a key ally within its global strategic framework.
The affirmation from Beijing suggests that China remains committed to Pakistan’s growth and stability, viewing it as a vital partner in countering terrorism that threatens both national and regional security. In reaffirming this bond, China signals to external actors that it will not be deterred by threats to its nationals or projects, underscoring the partnership’s importance in the face of shared security challenges.