Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), on Thursday, denied claims that China is pressuring Islamabad to allow Chinese security personnel to protect Chinese nationals in Pakistan. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch called these reports “speculations,” asserting they are “motivated by an agenda to create confusion.” She made the statement amid growing security concerns, as recent attacks have targeted Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
China Reaffirms Support Amid Security Concerns
The FO’s clarification followed remarks by China’s envoy expressing frustration over these attacks. On Monday, however, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He stressed that both China and Pakistan have “the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations.” Lin added that any attempt to target Chinese interests in Pakistan would face serious consequences.
Robust Security Cooperation
During a press briefing, Baloch responded to media questions, clarifying that Pakistan “does not respond to media speculations based on unreliable sources.” She advised media outlets to carefully examine the motivations behind stories that might undermine Pakistan-China relations.
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“We advise media to ascertain the motivations of individuals who feed them such stories,” she said. She emphasized that both countries would not permit any efforts to derail their strategic partnership.
Baloch echoed her Chinese counterpart’s confidence, reaffirming that “Pakistan and China have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations, including by spreading stories about the nature of our cooperation.”
Deadly Attacks and Heightened Security
Concerns over the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan have risen following two major attacks this year. In March, a blast in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed five Chinese nationals. A similar incident near Karachi airport last month claimed the lives of two more Chinese citizens.
Reports surfaced this week suggesting that Beijing has pushed for its own security staff to protect the thousands of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. The media report, citing “five Pakistani security and government sources,” also mentioned a “written proposal” from Beijing. Neither Islamabad nor Beijing has officially confirmed these talks, and Pakistan’s interior and planning ministries have yet to comment on the report.
Pakistan Committed to Safeguarding Chinese Interests
Baloch reiterated that Pakistan and China have a longstanding partnership that includes security and counterterrorism cooperation. “Pakistan and China have robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including counterterrorism and the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan,” she said, highlighting that this partnership is built on “mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
She stressed that Pakistan remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens and assets within its borders. “We will continue to work with our Chinese brothers for the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan,” Baloch assured.
Strong Diplomatic Ties Remain Unshaken
Reaffirming China’s trust in Pakistan, Baloch quoted Lin Jian, who stated, “Attempts to undermine the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed.” The FO’s statement underscored that Pakistan and China share a resilient relationship, and both nations are united in their stance against any attempt to create divisions.
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