In an unusual diplomatic statement, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan expressed serious concerns about the recurring terrorist attacks affecting Chinese nationals and projects in the country.Â
During a seminar titled ‘China at 75,’ Ambassador Jiang Zaidong called for immediate Pakistani action against anti-China terrorist groups, citing two attacks within six months as unacceptable. The event was organized by the Pakistan China Institute and featured notable attendees including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Ambassador Jiang emphasized the importance of a secure environment for the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and insisted on decisive measures to protect Chinese interests. He reiterated Beijing’s stance that security is a prerequisite for the continuation and success of CPEC initiatives.
The ambassador’s comments came shortly after Deputy Prime Minister Dar’s acknowledgment of China’s concerns regarding the investment climate in Pakistan, particularly security. Dar mentioned conversations with Chinese leadership, underscoring their investment hesitance in regions plagued by security issues, though Pakistan remains an exception due to its strategic importance.
This exchange underscored a clear message from Beijing, conveyed directly by Ambassador Jiang: enhance security protocols and ensure that Chinese personnel and projects are safeguarded against terrorism. The ambassador’s firm stance at the seminar, using his right to reply, highlighted the growing impatience over security issues, marking a rare moment of public diplomacy where he openly criticized the host nation’s security measures.
Moreover, Ambassador Jiang pointed out the broader implications of security on economic development, quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s view that security is integral to development. The diplomat’s repeated interventions signaled a pressing need for tangible actions rather than assurances.
The dialogue underscored the complex interplay of international relations, security, and economic development between Pakistan and China, with the ambassador stressing the urgent need for a conducive environment for ongoing and future Chinese investments.
