China-Pakistan economic ties could change ‘fundamentally’ if attacks on Chinese continue

Experts predict more direct cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad but do not expect a greater security presence from China

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A deadly blast outside the Karachi airport on October 6 has renewed calls for greater counterterrorism cooperation between China and Pakistan. Photo: AP

Published: 9:00am, 25 Oct 2024

Economic ties between China and Pakistan could slide into a “fundamental change” if attacks on Chinese citizens and investments in the South Asian country continue to grow , according to observers.

While there are signs of more direct Chinese involvement in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts since the deadly attack outside Jinnah International Airport in Karachi earlier this month, any help is likely to remain low key, they say.

In the wake of the blast, which killed two Chinese workers, China’s Ministry of State Security called for better early warning systems in areas with significant Chinese interests, as well as better collaboration on intelligence and law enforcement.

The latest attack also led to renewed calls in China for a greater security presence in Pakistan, such as trained personnel to protect Chinese construction projects and workers.

Attacks targeting Chinese citizens and investments in Pakistan have been on the rise in recent years, with seven people killed in two incidents this year alone.

However, a stronger Chinese security presence was unlikely, because of Islamabad’s reluctance to have China too involved in its security systems, the experts said.