During a high-level meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Pakistan to intensify efforts to safeguard Chinese nationals and major infrastructure projects, particularly those developed under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The discussion took place as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, made his inaugural visit to China following recent border tensions with India.
China has invested billions in Pakistan through the BRI, funding vital infrastructure such as roads, ports, and power plants. However, security concerns have grown in recent years as Chinese workers and projects have become frequent targets of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Wang Yi emphasized China’s unwavering support for Pakistan in fighting terrorism and urged the Pakistani military to take all necessary measures to protect Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions within the country.
He highlighted the enduring “ironclad” relationship between China and Pakistan, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to prioritize Pakistan in its regional diplomacy. General Munir also met with Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, to discuss security cooperation and strategic partnership.
After a deadly car bombing in Karachi that claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers last October, Beijing has pressed Islamabad to allow Chinese security personnel to directly protect its citizens and projects on Pakistani soil. These developments underscore China’s concern for the safety of its investments and people, as well as the critical importance of sustained security collaboration between the two nations.
