Islamabad: After the death of Chinese citizens in separatist attacks in Pakistan, pressure has started increasing on the Chinese President regarding the safety of his citizens. Chinese citizens deployed in Pakistan to complete Beijing’s project are no longer ready to stay in Pakistan even for a moment. Recently, the Shahbaz Sharif government had promised to deploy Pakistani troops for the security of Chinese citizens, but the Chinese present in Pakistan do not even trust the Pakistani army. Chinese businessmen present in Pakistan are continuously putting pressure on President Xi Jinping regarding security arrangements. Describing the challenge faced by Chinese citizens in Pakistan, a Chinese businessman told the Financial Times, ‘We do not trust Pakistani soldiers to keep us safe.’ The Chinese businessman demanded the deployment of Chinese troops instead. The Chinese businessman said that many Chinese want to leave Pakistan because there are not many opportunities here and ‘security is bad’.
Chinese workers were attacked in October
Several deadly attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan in recent times have badly affected relations between Islamabad and Beijing. This happened after a car bomb exploded outside Karachi Airport last October. Chinese investors and engineers associated with China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure projects were targeted in the attack. Two Chinese workers were killed in the targeted attack.
Engineers’ program was leaked from inside
The severity of the Karachi bomb blast and the investigation into the incident have angered Beijing. It reveals the role of an insider in obtaining details of the itinerary and route of engineers returning from Thailand to Pakistan. Beijing saw the blasts as a major security failure by Pakistani agencies and advocated a joint security management system for the future under which it could deploy its personnel to protect Chinese citizens.
China wants to deploy its security
According to sources, Beijing’s proposal was put forward during Chinese Prime Minister Li Kiang’s visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting last month. Li Qiang was the first Chinese PM to visit Pakistan in more than a decade. He was personally welcomed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. It is believed that after meetings held behind closed doors, China’s proposal to station its security personnel on Pakistani soil may finally get approval from the local government.
(With inputs from agency)
What are the main security concerns for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Security Expert
Time.news Editor (T): Welcome, Dr. Li, and thank you for joining us today. As we know, recent attacks on Chinese citizens in Pakistan have heightened concerns regarding their safety. Can you share your insights on why these events are particularly alarming for both the Chinese government and the workers on the ground?
Dr. Li (L): Thank you for having me. The attacks on Chinese citizens have struck a nerve due to their implications for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project relies heavily on Chinese labor and expertise, and any threat to their safety undermines the entire initiative. For the Chinese government, these incidents challenge their ability to project power and ensure the security of their nationals abroad.
T: It’s clear that safety is a critical issue. The article mentions that Chinese citizens in Pakistan no longer trust the local military for their security. What do you think has contributed to this loss of trust?
L: This loss of confidence stems from a combination of factors. First, there’s the history of attacks against Chinese nationals that have gone unresolved, creating a persistent fear. Additionally, the perception that Pakistani security forces are overwhelmed and unable to protect foreign workers adds to this distrust. This situation is exacerbated by the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the local sentiments towards foreign involvement.
T: Indeed, trust is foundational in such scenarios. Given that some Chinese businessmen are demanding the deployment of Chinese troops for their protection, what implications does this have for Sino-Pakistani relations?
L: That’s a significant demand with far-reaching implications. If China considers deploying its troops, it could be perceived as an erosion of Pakistan’s sovereignty and might lead to tensions between Beijing and Islamabad. It would signal a level of desperation and could pressure Pakistan to improve its security capabilities substantially. However, there is also a risk that Chinese military presence could evoke nationalist sentiments within Pakistan, complicating bilateral relations further.
T: Following this, the article also highlights that many Chinese workers are feeling disenchanted with opportunities in Pakistan. How might this affect CPEC and future investments from China?
L: If Chinese workers choose to leave Pakistan due to security concerns and perceived economic opportunities elsewhere, it could lead to a slowdown in project implementation. This disengagement might deter future investments, as potential backers may view the region as too unstable or risky. It could also severely impact the local economy that relies on these projects for growth and development.
T: It sounds like a precarious situation. What measures, then, could be considered to rebuild trust and improve the security situation for Chinese nationals in Pakistan?
L: First, Pakistan needs to enhance its internal security protocols, particularly relating to foreign works. It could also establish a transparent communication line between the local authorities and Chinese workers to address their concerns directly. In tandem, joint security initiatives that involve both Chinese and Pakistani forces, supervised by local leaders, could reassure Chinese nationals while preserving Pakistan’s sovereignty.
T: Those solutions sound hopeful yet complex. As we consider the future, what might be the broader implications of these developments on global perceptions of China’s investments abroad?
L: We could see a shift in the global narrative surrounding China’s Belt and Road Initiative. If safety continues to be a concern, potential partners may reconsider their involvement or negotiate better terms to ensure security. On the flip side, if China successfully mitigates these risks and reinforces its commitment to protecting its citizens, it could bolster its reputation as a pivotal global player that prioritizes its investments and nationals abroad.
T: Thank you, Dr. Li, for your valuable insights. It is clear that the situation in Pakistan is more than just a local issue; it carries significant implications for international relations and the global economy as a whole.
L: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for both China and Pakistan, and the outcome will affect many lives.
T: Absolutely. We’ll continue to follow this story closely. Thank you again for joining us today.