ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong has reaffirmed Beijing’sunwavering support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, emphasizingthat China stands firmly with Islamabad in combating this menace. In ahigh-level meeting with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, theambassador strongly condemned recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan,expressing deep condolences for the victims and full solidarity with thePakistani nation. This interaction underscores the deepening strategicpartnership between the two countries, particularly in security domains, asboth face evolving threats that require coordinated responses to safeguardmutual interests and regional stability.
The meeting focused on the premeditated nature of terrorism in Balochistan,with Minister Naqvi describing the attacks as organized and plannedoperations aimed at destabilizing the province. Security forces haveresponded swiftly with effective operations, demonstrating Pakistan’sresolve to neutralize such threats. The discussions highlighted theimportance of protecting Chinese nationals and projects, especially thoselinked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which remains a cornerstoneof bilateral economic cooperation. Recent incidents have prompted enhancedmeasures, including the establishment of a dedicated Special ProtectionUnit to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and investments across thecountry.
Both sides engaged in detailed exchanges on counter-terrorism strategies,internal security, and broader security cooperation. They agreed to expandcollaboration in intelligence sharing mechanisms, recognizing that timelyand accurate information exchange is critical to preempting terroristactivities. This builds on existing frameworks where Pakistan and Chinahave increasingly aligned their efforts against common threats, includinggroups targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan. The emphasis onintelligence sharing reflects a proactive approach to disrupt networksbefore they can execute attacks.
A key outcome of the meeting was the consensus to bolster cooperation incybersecurity and combating cybercrimes. In an era where digital threatsintersect with traditional terrorism, both nations acknowledged the needfor joint mechanisms to address cyber risks that could undermine nationalsecurity and economic projects. This includes sharing expertise,technology, and best practices to strengthen defenses against hacking, databreaches, and online radicalization. Such collaboration aligns with broaderbilateral agreements on digital security and emerging technologies.
The discussions also touched on capacity-building initiatives, where Chinahas expressed willingness to provide support through training, technologytransfer, and joint exercises. Pakistan’s security apparatus has benefitedfrom similar past engagements, enhancing capabilities in intelligence-ledoperations. The meeting reinforced commitments made in higher-leveldialogues, including joint statements emphasizing zero tolerance forterrorism and multilateral cooperation under frameworks like the ShanghaiCooperation Organization.
Broader context reveals that Pakistan-China security ties have intensifieddue to persistent threats to CPEC-related projects. Over the years, attackson Chinese workers have prompted Islamabad to allocate significantresources for protection, including specialized military units. China, inturn, has offered assistance in upgrading counter-terrorism capacities,viewing stable security as essential for sustained investment and projectcontinuity. This mutual dependence has driven agreements on joint patrols,training programs, and intelligence protocols.
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Cybersecurity cooperation forms a vital pillar of this evolvingpartnership. With increasing digitization of infrastructure, both countriesface risks from state and non-state actors exploiting vulnerabilities.Bilateral efforts aim to establish robust channels for real-time threatinformation sharing and coordinated responses to cyber incidents. This isparticularly relevant for protecting communication networks and data flowsassociated with bilateral projects.
The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude from both sides.Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked Minister Naqvi for Pakistan’s securitymeasures, while the minister appreciated China’s consistent diplomatic andpractical support. Such engagements signal a commitment to long-termcollaboration, ensuring that security challenges do not impede thetrajectory of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Experts note that enhanced intelligence and cybersecurity mechanisms willcontribute to regional stability by addressing transnational threats moreeffectively. As both nations advance these domains, the partnership ispoised to serve as a model for countering hybrid threats in a connectedworld.
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