China condemns Balochistan attacks, vows support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts

Sharif stated that these attacks aim to disrupt CPEC development projects and drive a wedge between Islamabad and Beijing.

A burnt vehicle which was torched by gunmen, Baluchistan province

People look at a burnt vehicle which was torched by gunmen after they killed passengers at a highway in Musakhail, a district in Baluchistan province in restive southwestern Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (AP/PTI Photo)

China has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, which resulted in the deaths of 37 people. The Chinese government has pledged continued support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.

In a statement on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denounced the attacks carried out by Baloch gunmen and emphasized China’s firm stance against terrorism. Lin reiterated China’s commitment to backing Pakistan in its counter-terrorism operations, maintaining social stability, and ensuring public safety. “China is prepared to enhance counter-terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan to jointly uphold regional peace and security,” Lin stated.

The violent incidents in Balochistan occurred as a top Chinese military official, General Li Qiaoming, was in Pakistan for a security assessment, focusing on the protection of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC, a $60 billion multi-project initiative, faces opposition from Baloch militants who have repeatedly targeted the corridor, including attacks on Chinese personnel.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the situation on Tuesday, highlighting that the recent assaults, which began on Sunday and have resulted in over 70 deaths, represent the most extensive militant activity in years. Sharif stated that these attacks aim to disrupt CPEC development projects and drive a wedge between Islamabad and Beijing. “The terrorists want to stop CPEC and development projects,” Sharif said, adding that they are also trying to create discord between the two countries.

During his visit to Islamabad, General Li Qiaoming met with Prime Minister Sharif and reaffirmed China’s status as Pakistan’s “iron brother, strategic partner, and reliable friend.” Li emphasized the importance of the defense and strategic ties between the two nations for regional stability and expressed China’s intent to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The CPEC, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province. The BRI is China’s global strategy to extend its influence through infrastructure investments. However, recent terror attacks, including one in March where five Chinese and one Pakistani national were killed, have slowed project implementation.

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