BLA Attack on Chinese Engineers in Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Security of China's Massive Investments
A convoy of Chinese engineers in Pakistan's Gwadar Port was attacked by separatists, prompting the Chinese embassy to demand action. Strict security measures have been implemented for Chinese citizens in the area. Attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan raise concerns over security risks for China's investments.
A convoy carrying 23 Chinese engineers to the Gwadar Port in Pakistan came under attack on Sunday by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatists. The ambush, which lasted for over two hours, resulted in explosions and gunfire being heard across the port city of Gwadar.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported within the convoy, as the Chinese engineers were traveling in bulletproof vehicles. In response to the attack, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan called for strict action, urging Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, punish the perpetrators, and take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
#WATCH : An earlier video of Baloch fighters warning China. 7 vehicles of Chinese engineers came under intense attack in Gwadar, Balochistan. According to local media, several Chinese engineers have been killed. #Pakistan #PakistanArmy #Gwadar #BalochLiberationArmy #Balochistan… pic.twitter.com/rybHFZE5vG
— upuknews (@upuknews1) August 13, 2023
The Chinese consulate in Pakistan has also issued orders for its citizens in Balochistan and Sindh to remain indoors until further notice. This is not the first attack on Chinese interests in Pakistan, as various Baloch militant groups have targeted projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the past.
The CPEC project is a crucial part of China's Belt and Road Initiative and aims to connect China's Xinjiang province to the Gwadar port. These attacks highlight the security risks associated with China's massive investment in Pakistan.