*BEIJING: *China on Friday strongly condemned the attack on its consulatein Karachi and urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said all consular staff andtheir families were safe following the shooting.
“China strongly condemns any violent attacks against diplomatic agenciesand requests that Pakistan takes practical measures to ensure the safety ofChinese citizens and institutions in the country,” Geng said at a regularpress briefing.
Three gunmen stormed the Chinese consulate on Friday morning and exchangedgunfire with security forces who shot them down.
Geng added the gunmen did not enter the consulate and the exchange of firetook place outside the facility.
“We highly appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani side,” he said whenasked about Pakistan’s response to the attack.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has extended condolences over the martyrdomof two Pakistani policemen and said any attempt to undermine China-Pakistanfriendship is “doomed to fail”.
An embassy-issued statement condemning the attack reads: “We appreciate thePakistani Army and Police for their timely and proper action against theattack. We extend our deep condolences to the two Pakistani policemenmartyred in the attack. We believe that the Pakistani side is able toensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan. Anyattempt to undermine China-Pakistan relationship is doomed to fail.”
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the attack would not affectBeijing’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), whichseeks to connect its western province Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port ofGwadar, in Balochistan.
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“China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners,” the spokesman said.
“With the broad support of the two peoples, it (CPEC) is proceeding in anorderly manner. China will continue to work with Pakistan to firmly moveforward with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” hesaid.
Since the beginning of the project militants have repeatedly attackedconstruction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, andtargeted Chinese workers.
In August this year, three Chinese nationals were among six wounded in asuicide attack on a bus transporting Chinese engineers working on a miningproject in Balochistan.
“We highly appreciate the great efforts made by Pakistan to safeguard theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the security of Chinese citizens andorganisations in Pakistan,” Geng said.
“We also believe that Pakistan will continue to take effective measures toensure the safe and smooth development of the China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor,” he added. – APP / AFP
