Advertisement
Caught in the crossfire: will militants derail China’s belt and road plans in Pakistan?
- Insurgents have targeted Chinese nationals in a series of attacks over the years, particularly in Balochistan
- The region is home to Gwadar Port, a hub linking Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea
Reading Time:5 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
23
The armed attack this month on a convoy carrying Chinese workers was just the latest in a string of militant strikes in Pakistan.
In the attack on August 13, insurgents targeted a convoy of four bulletproof vehicles carrying 23 Chinese engineers on way to Gwadar Port in Balochistan, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s plan to grow global trade.
None of the engineers were hurt, but according to the Pakistani armed forces, two assailants were killed in gunfire with security forces escorting the Chinese convoy.
Advertisement
It came two years after a deadly suicide blast at a luxury hotel hosting the Chinese ambassador in the southwest of the country and four years after gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Gwadar killing at least eight people.
Observers say China has been caught in the crossfire of an ongoing battle between local separatist groups and the Pakistan government, particularly in Balochistan.
Advertisement
But the strategic importance of Pakistan to the belt and road projects guaranteed there would be continuous investment from China.
02:58
China announces US$3.8 billion Belt and Road expansion in Central Asia
China announces US$3.8 billion Belt and Road expansion in Central Asia
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x