China-Pakistan relations strained after series of attacks on Chinese workers
China-Pakistan relations: China voiced strong objections to the recurring terror attacks on its citizens in Pakistan, cautioning that it may reassess its investments under the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese ambassador contradicted Pakistan's deputy PM and called on Islamabad to enforce effective security measures following the recent deadly incidents.
In a rare public expression of dissatisfaction, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, stated that it is “unacceptable” that Chinese citizens have been targeted by terrorists in Pakistan twice within the past six months. Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Ambassador Jiang emphasized China’s growing concern over the security of its nationals, citing seven Chinese casualties in recent suicide attacks since March.
Rising Diplomatic Tensions over Security Issues
The tension surfaced following comments by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, who remarked that Pakistan remains the only country where China continues to send its citizens despite significant security threats. “The Chinese are very clear — they avoid sending personnel wherever security issues exist. Your country is the only exception,” Dar stated, referencing recent diplomatic discussions.
In response, Jiang underscored that “the security of Chinese citizens is paramount for President Xi Jinping.” He warned that the ongoing violence directed at Chinese nationals has prompted Beijing to reconsider its investments in Pakistan under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), urging Pakistan to implement “effective remedial measures” to address these incidents.
Unprecedented Diplomatic Friction between Allies
The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, responded by describing Jiang’s statement as “perplexing” and a deviation from standard diplomatic protocol. Traditionally, China refrains from public criticism of Pakistan, and Pakistan, in turn, avoids openly responding to Chinese statements on security matters.
The escalating violence against Chinese citizens has nonetheless strained this long-standing alliance. Earlier this month, a suicide bombing near Karachi airport claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army killed two Chinese nationals and injured ten others. Previously, five Chinese engineers lost their lives in a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in March. These incidents have brought the total to 21 Chinese nationals killed in Pakistan since the start of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project a decade ago.
