Anti-China terrorism in Pakistan

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Many terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals have occurred in Pakistan. These attacks have been carried out by Pakistani terrorist organizations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pakistani Taliban. Chinese investment in Pakistan, the end of American policing of terrorism in the region, and the treatment of the Uyghur people in China have all contributed to an increase in terror attacks targeting China.

Contents

Cause

Attacks by Pakistani militants targeting Chinese nationals have occurred since 2004. [1] They increased beginning in 2018 as China's global influence increases, and Chinese nationals are victims of terror attacks more commonly in Pakistan than in any other country. The attacks have further increased since the American withdrawal from Afghanistan and the resulting increase in terrorism following the end of American involvement. China has engaged in talks with the Afghan Taliban to limit collaboration with groups that carry out terror attacks against Chinese nationals. [2]

Nationalist movements have become increasingly critical of China as its role on the world stage increases, with ethnonationalists describing it as "neocolonialist". The situation of Uyghurs in Xinjiang has increased in importance for Jihadi groups because of the persecution of Uyghurs by the Chinese government. [2]

The region of Balochistan is a major focus of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Under this agreement, China has invested heavily in the region's economy and has established businesses in the area. The influx of Chinese nationals to facilitate this program has caused conflict with nationalist and separatist groups such as the BLA. The BLA has described China as an "oppressor" [3] Ethnoseparatists are in conflict with the Pakistani government, and Chinese cooperation government is seen as a threat to this cause. [2] Pakistan has faced various security challenges, including terrorism from different groups operating within its borders, these issues have generally not been framed as "anti-China terrorism." Instead, these challenges have primarily related to domestic issues, regional conflicts, and extremist ideologies. [4]

Response

China expanded its counterterrorism efforts following the September 11 attacks in the United States, with particular emphasis on Pakistan. [5] China is one of the many nations with which Pakistan has collaborated in anti-terrorism agreements, and economic relations between the countries have compelled more interactions to limit terrorism. In 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao offered Pakistan support in improving its security policy. The interior ministries of China and Pakistan participate in exchanges of expertise and intelligence to combat terrorism that targets both countries. [1] In April 2015, a Pakistani military security force was formed with 12,000 soldiers to protect Chinese nationals in the country. [6]

Attacks

See also

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Terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2018 include:

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References

  1. 1 2 Khan, Rashid Ahmad (2012). "Pakistan and China: cooperation in counter-terrorism". Strategic Studies. 32/33. Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad: 70–78. ISSN   1029-0990. JSTOR   48527626.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Pantucci, Abdul Basit, Raffaello (2021-08-27). "Why Terrorists Will Target China in Pakistan". Foreign Policy . Retrieved 2022-11-09.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. 1 2 "Karachi attack: China consulate attack leaves four dead". BBC News . 2018-11-23. Retrieved 2022-11-09.
  4. Editorial (2021-08-24). "Anti-China attacks". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  5. 1 2 Ali, Ghulam (2010-05-26). "China's Deepening Engagement with Pakistan on Counterterrorism". CACI Analyst. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute . Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  6. Shah, Saeed; Chin, Josh (2015-04-22). "Pakistan to Create Security Force to Protect Chinese Workers". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  7. "Pakistan hotel bomb: Deadly blast hits luxury venue in Quetta". BBC News . 2021-04-21. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  8. 1 2 Saifi, Sophia; Westcott, Ben (2021-08-13). "Pakistan's foreign minister blames Afghanistan and India for suicide attack on Chinese workers". CNN . Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  9. Yousafzai, Gul (2021-08-20). "Two killed in suicide bombing targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan". Reuters . Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  10. Saifi, Sophia; Mehsud, Saleem; Syed, Azaz (2022-04-27). "Female suicide bomber behind Karachi attack that killed 3 Chinese citizens: police". CNN . Retrieved 2022-11-09.
  11. "Pakistani police say 5 Chinese nationals and their local driver were killed in a suicide attack". AP News. 2024-03-26. Retrieved 2024-04-02.