Beijing: Diplomatic strains are intensifying between Beijing and Islamabad as violent incidents targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan continue to rise, placing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in jeopardy. The recent shooting of two Chinese citizens by a security guard in Karachi has heightened Beijing’s concerns over the safety of its workers in Pakistan, especially those employed in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

The incident took place on November 5 when a security guard at a textile mill in Karachi opened fire on two Chinese workers following a heated argument. One of the victims is reported to be in critical condition, though Pakistani authorities have withheld further updates, reportedly due to concerns over international fallout. Although this attack has not been linked to terrorism, it highlights growing risks for Chinese nationals, who frequently face threats from insurgent groups and local factions in Pakistan.

Escalating Security Concerns for Chinese Nationals in Pakistan
This latest attack follows a series of violent incidents targeting Chinese workers. Just last month, a suicide bombing near Karachi’s airport killed two Chinese nationals, and earlier this year, a similar attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa left five Chinese engineers dead. Since CPEC’s inception in 2015, at least 21 Chinese nationals have lost their lives in targeted attacks, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by Chinese workers involved in high-stakes infrastructure and development projects across Pakistan.

In response to these security breaches, Chinese officials have demanded stronger protective measures for their citizens. At a public seminar last month, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, expressed frustration over Islamabad’s “unacceptable” security lapses, which he said are hindering Chinese investments and cooperation under the BRI. Jiang’s candid criticism is a rare departure from typical diplomatic exchanges, revealing China’s growing impatience with Pakistan’s inability to curb violence against Chinese personnel.

China Pressures Pakistan for Joint Security Mechanism
With rising attacks, China has pushed Pakistan to establish a joint security mechanism, potentially involving Chinese private security personnel, to protect its nationals. During Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan in September, Beijing emphasized the need for such a framework, citing Pakistan’s security inadequacies as a roadblock to further investments. Reports from Pakistani media suggest that Chinese officials have pressured Pakistan to bolster security for Chinese projects, urging more robust counter-terrorism efforts in volatile regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In June, President Xi Jinping directly called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure comprehensive security for Chinese personnel and investments in Pakistan, hinting that further inaction could impact future collaboration. Pakistan’s leadership, concerned over the potential financial ramifications, has responded with pledges to improve security. Prime Minister Sharif recently visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad to condemn the Karachi attack, promising swift action to apprehend those involved.

Security Issues Impacting Pakistan’s Economy and Image
China’s concerns over security not only affect diplomatic ties but could also have economic repercussions for Pakistan, which owes a significant portion of its debt to Beijing. With Chinese investors growing wary of security risks, Islamabad fears that failure to protect Chinese workers may strain financial support and hinder progress on CPEC projects critical to Pakistan’s economic recovery.

To address Beijing’s demands, Pakistan recently launched “Operation Azm-i-Istehkam” in June, a military campaign targeting insurgent groups in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, Beijing remains unconvinced that Islamabad can provide adequate security without external assistance. Sources close to the issue indicate that China may soon deploy private security firms to protect its workers, an unprecedented move that could exacerbate domestic tensions and complicate Pakistan’s internal security landscape.

Growing Anti-China Sentiment Among Pakistanis
The influx of Chinese nationals and Beijing’s assertive stance on security have also fueled resentment among locals, who view the increased Chinese presence as a threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty. This anti-China sentiment could complicate Islamabad’s attempts to strike a balance between satisfying Chinese demands and managing its domestic image, particularly within regions already experiencing unrest.

Diplomatic Relations at a Crossroads
With both nations locked in a standoff over security issues, Beijing’s discontent over Pakistan’s security lapses marks a rare point of discord in their traditionally close relationship. Pakistan’s reluctance to formally allow Chinese security personnel has frustrated Beijing, casting doubt over Islamabad’s ability to ensure safety for foreign workers. As tensions mount, the future of CPEC and broader China-Pakistan cooperation hangs in the balance, raising questions about the long-term stability of this key strategic partnership.