Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has urged the Pakistani military to continue its "zero tolerance" crackdown on terrorism, reiterating his call for better protection as Chinese nationals and projects face increasing extremist threats in the region.
"We thank the Pakistani army for its long-standing efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan," Qin told General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of the Pakistan Army's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, as the pair met in Beijing on Tuesday.
"We hope that the Pakistani side will not relent in its efforts to combat terrorism with zero tolerance," he added.
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Qin also highlighted the importance of the Pakistani military in bilateral relations.
"The Pakistani army is the mainstay of Pakistan, as well as a staunch defender and promoter of China-Pakistan friendship," Qin said, describing the country as an "ironclad friend of China".
"[We] hope the Pakistani military will continue to play its role as the anchor of stability by safeguarding domestic stability and offering new and more contributions to our strategic partnership."
Foreign Minister Qin Gang meets the Pakistani delegation in Beijing. Photo: Handout alt=Foreign Minister Qin Gang meets the Pakistani delegation in Beijing. Photo: Handout>
Pakistan is a key strategic partner in the region for China's Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure plan, with the US$54 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a flagship project.
However, Chinese interests have been targeted in recent years by terrorist groups in Pakistan, especially the separatist Baloch Liberation Army - a designated terrorist outfit - which carried out a deadly attack on Chinese nationals in April last year.
The attacks, coming as China's economic influence and closeness to Pakistan grow, have prompted Beijing to demand greater security for Chinese nationals in the country.
In the latest such incident, two gunmen described by Pakistani police as "terrorists" tried to attack a Chinese-owned shipyard in the port city of Karachi last month. Pakistani police shot dead one attacker and the other was reported to be on the run.
This came barely a week after Qin met his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts in Pakistani capital Islamabad, and urged them to help fight terror and protect "Chinese nationals, institutions and projects".