Islamabad: Relations between Pakistan and China seem to be becoming tense. The Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad has now openly informed the Pakistani government about the deadly attacks on Chinese citizens engaged in the CPEC project. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has also retaliated on this. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong said that the safety of Chinese citizens is of utmost concern to him. The Chinese Ambassador has reprimanded the Pakistani government at a time when the land of Pakistan is turning red with the blood of Chinese citizens. In the year 2024 itself, 7 Chinese citizens have been murdered, while since the CPEC project started 10 years ago, 21 Chinese engineers have been killed so far. China has so far spent about 60 billion dollars on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and Now he is facing a serious threat to the safety of Chinese citizens. China is building a naval base in Gwadar, Balochistan which is part of CPEC. Baloch rebels are openly opposing it. Baloch have carried out two attacks on the Chinese this year alone. The Baloch have threatened that China should stop its projects in Balochistan and stop looting its natural resources, otherwise these attacks will continue.
Pakistan is facing the punishment of its deeds
In fact, the increased terrorist attacks in Pakistan are the result of its own sins. These attacks on Pakistan intensified when Taliban rule came to power in Afghanistan. Pakistan openly helped the Taliban and provided everything from weapons to money. Now after occupying Afghanistan, Taliban have become Bhasmasur for Pakistan. Taliban are helping TTP terrorists and giving them shelter. These TTP terrorists are now carrying out bloody attacks in Pakistan and killing Pakistani army and Chinese civilians.
China has told Pakistan that it will deploy its army. A deal has been signed between the two countries by which Chinese security personnel will now be deployed in Pakistan and will jointly provide security. It is believed that through this, Chinese soldiers will also be able to take action against Pakistani citizens, which will be a big threat to the sovereignty of Pakistan. Pakistan’s army is continuously failing in stopping these attacks and due to this, China’s anger is increasing. China is continuously requesting that security be strengthened but this is not happening. China wants the Pakistani Army to launch a major military operation but Imran Khan’s party, which is in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is not ready for this. That is why China’s panic is increasing.
Time.news Editor (T.N.): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Sara Aftab, an expert on international relations and South Asian geopolitics, to discuss the escalating tensions between Pakistan and China regarding the safety of Chinese citizens involved in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Thank you for joining us, Dr. Aftab.
Dr. Sara Aftab (S.A.): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
T.N.: To start off, can you explain the significance of CPEC and why it is essential for both Pakistan and China?
S.A.: Certainly. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a collection of infrastructure projects that are meant to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China’s Xinjiang region. For Pakistan, CPEC is seen as a pathway to economic development, providing much-needed investment and infrastructure improvements. For China, it’s part of the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing trade routes and boosting its strategic influence in the region.
T.N.: Despite the economic benefits, we’re seeing a troubling rise in violence against Chinese nationals in Pakistan, with seven murders reported just in 2024. What do you think is driving this insurgency?
S.A.: The violence can be attributed to several factors, primarily involving local opposition groups, like the Baloch separatists. The Baloch see CPEC as a means for Pakistan to further exploit their resources without offering them any economic benefits. This has created significant resentment and resistance, leading to attacks aimed at Chinese personnel who are viewed as symbols of this exploitation.
T.N.: The Chinese Ambassador has publicly reprimanded the Pakistani government regarding the safety of their citizens. How significant is that move, considering the historical close ties between the two nations?
S.A.: It is indeed quite significant. Historically, Pakistan and China have maintained a strong partnership, often described as “all-weather friends.” However, this open criticism indicates a deepening concern in Beijing regarding the safety of its citizens and investments. Such strong statements can signal a shift in dynamics, where China may start putting more pressure on Pakistan to improve security measures for its nationals.
T.N.: With the Chinese Navy building bases in Gwadar, do you believe that this development could potentially exacerbate tensions in the region further?
S.A.: Yes, it certainly has potential implications. The establishment of Chinese naval bases could heighten existing tensions not just with local insurgents but also with neighboring countries that might view this expansion as a threat. The strategic presence of the Chinese navy in Balochistan may exacerbate local fears and resistance, considering the intricate geopolitics of the area, especially with India being wary of China’s growing influence.
T.N.: Moving forward, what steps should the Pakistani government take to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals without exacerbating local tensions?
S.A.: Pakistan needs a multi-faceted approach. First, they must engage in dialogue with local communities to understand their grievances and address them constructively. Simultaneously, enhancing security measures specifically for Chinese workers is critical. It is also important for the Pakistani government to reflect on the broader implications of foreign investments like CPEC on indigenous populations and balance economic development with local autonomy and rights.
T.N.: Thank you, Dr. Aftab, for your insights in shedding light on this complex and evolving situation between Pakistan and China. It’s a critical issue that not only affects both nations but could have wider ramifications for regional stability.
S.A.: Thank you for having me. It’s essential for us to keep the conversation going about these pressing geopolitical issues.