After a period of turbulence marked by direct exchanges, Pakistan-China relations appear to be back on a path of cordiality. On Monday, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties, emphasizing support in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and pledging to counter any attempts to destabilize relations. The importance of this statement cannot be overstated, especially considering the recent targeting of Chinese nationals in Pakistan by terrorist groups.
This year alone, Chinese personnel have been the target of two major terrorist attacks — one in Karachi and another in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in March. These incidents not only cause human loss but also pose serious risks to China-Pakistan ties, which are deeply intertwined, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Recognizing this, both sides are now looking to ensure that security measures around Chinese nationals and projects are robust enough to prevent future tragedies.
Relations were briefly strained in October when Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, in an unguarded moment, made comments that prompted a strong reaction from the Chinese ambassador in Islamabad. The ambassador urged Pakistan to take greater steps to protect Chinese nationals. This exchange was further complicated when Pakistan’s Foreign Office termed the ambassador’s remarks “perplexing.” Fortunately, the recent comments from China signal that both countries are ready to move past this episode and focus on strengthening their strategic partnership.
Nonetheless, Beijing’s concerns over security remain valid, and reports indicate that China has proposed a joint security arrangement with Pakistan. This proposal may include deploying Chinese security personnel on Pakistani soil — a suggestion that has reportedly made officials in Islamabad and Rawalpindi uneasy. While Pakistan must respect China’s desire to ensure the safety of its nationals, the introduction of foreign military personnel on Pakistani soil would raise sensitive sovereignty issues and could lead to a host of other complexities.
Instead, Pakistan should explore alternatives, such as enhancing the training of local security forces and improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms with China. Strengthening Pakistan’s own capacity to protect Chinese interests is both a pragmatic and sovereignty-preserving approach that aligns with the nation’s interests. Such measures would allow Pakistan to address security lapses without compromising its control over national security matters.
In the long run, ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and assets is essential for maintaining the confidence of a key partner. Pakistan-China relations are vital not only for regional stability but also for Pakistan’s economic and developmental ambitions, as epitomized by CPEC. By taking assertive and collaborative steps to address security concerns, Pakistan can reinforce the foundation of this indispensable relationship while preserving its sovereignty and operational independence.
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