“Rise in violence against Chinese nationals in Pakistan threatens China's 'Silk Road' vision” 21 Oct 2024

When China's Premier Li Qiang visited Pakistan last week...the talks focused on boosting security for Chinese projects...

However, Chinese nationals working in Pakistan continue to be targeted by attacks from separatist groups, with nearly 100 killed in recent years.

Earlier this month, two Chinese engineers were killed by a suicide car bomb during an attack by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on a Chinese convoy in Karachi.

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Resentment against the Chinese presence in Balochistan comes from two main issues. First, locals feel excluded from the economic benefits of projects like Gwadar Port...Local fishermen are also frustrated with the restricted access to the sea and port expansion into their traditional fishing grounds, impacting their livelihoods. Secondly, many believe their resources are being exploited without benefiting the province... local communities felt they were not properly consulted before work began on the projects...

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Following the meetings between the Pakistani and Chinese representatives...Pakistan agreed to increase security for Chinese workers. Pakistan would make "comprehensive efforts to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions", a joint statement said.

However, journalist Essa Naqvi criticised the focus on Chinese citizens, saying local needs were being ignored... He added that corruption prevented investment benefits from reaching ordinary people...