Indian Media Amplifies Unsubstantiated Claims of Chinese Military Deployment in Balochistan

Indian Media Amplifies Unsubstantiated Claims of Chinese Military Deployment in Balochistan

Indian Media Narrative

ISLAMABAD: Recent reports in several Indian media outlets have launched anew propaganda to Entice US against Pakistan over the rising Pakistan ChinaPartnership. Indian media has highlighted an open letter from Baloch selfclaimed activist Mir Yar Baloch to India’s External Affairs Minister SJaishankar, alleging that China may deploy military forces in Balochistanin the coming months. The letter, dated January 1, 2026, and shared onsocial media, warns of deepening Pakistan-China ties posing threats toregional stability. However, these claims remain speculative and lackindependent verification from official sources in Pakistan or China.

The letter asserts that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has reachedits final phases, suggesting potential direct Chinese military involvementif Baloch resistance forces are not strengthened. Mir Yar Baloch describesthe Pakistan-China strategic alliance as profoundly dangerous and calls forinternational attention to alleged human rights issues in Balochistan.Indian publications have prominently featured these assertions, framingthem as a serious imminent threat to India and the region.

Official statements from both Islamabad and Beijing have consistentlyemphasised that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a purely economicinitiative under the Belt and Road framework. No evidence has emerged ofplans for People’s Liberation Army deployment in Balochistan. Security forCPEC projects is provided by Pakistani forces, including a dedicatedSpecial Security Division raised specifically for this purpose since 2016.

Analysts note that Balochistan has faced longstanding insurgent activities,with groups targeting infrastructure and personnel linked to developmentprojects. Attacks on Chinese workers have occurred sporadically, promptingenhanced security measures. However, joint exercises between Pakistani andChinese forces, such as the recent Warrior series, focus oncounter-terrorism cooperation rather than permanent troop stationing.

The timing of the letter coincides with renewed Indian media focus on CPEC,which India opposes due to its routing through disputed territories.Pakistani officials have dismissed similar past claims as attempts toundermine bilateral economic cooperation. China has reiterated itscommitment to non-interference and economic partnership with Pakistan.

Mir Yar Baloch’s letter also praises certain Indian military actions andexpresses solidarity, elements that have been amplified in Indian coverage.Baloch representatives have historically raised grievances over resourcedistribution and political autonomy, issues addressed through ongoingdevelopment initiatives in the province.

CPEC has delivered significant infrastructure, including power plants,roads, and the Gwadar Port, contributing to energy security andconnectivity. Investments exceeding billions of dollars have been made,though challenges like security and economic viability persist amid globalshifts.

No response has been issued by the Pakistani government to this specificletter, consistent with its policy on separatist narratives. Chinesediplomatic channels have previously denied military expansion allegationsrelated to CPEC.

Regional experts caution against unsubstantiated narratives that couldexacerbate tensions. The absence of corroboration from neutral orinternational observers underscores the speculative nature of thedeployment claims.

As Pakistan continues to prioritise development in Balochistan throughinclusive policies, such reports appear designed to sow discord inestablished bilateral relations.

Source:https://www.dawn.com

Tags: Balochistan, China, Pakistan, CPEC, India, Gwadar, Mir Yar Baloch,Jaishankar

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