Chinese nationals in Pakistan, primarily involved in strategic infrastructure and energy projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), have been targeted repeatedly in fatal attacks in recent years. The attacks increased concern in Beijing about the security of its citizens in Pakistan, even with constant assurances provided by Islamabad.
Increased Diplomatic Pressure by China
Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent trip to China saw Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi not beat around the bush, expressing Beijing’s ‘grave concerns’ regarding the relentless attacks. The diplomatic conversation lent strength to China’s long-standing aggravation with the security establishment of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding security arrangements for Chinese citizens in Pakistan, in Islamabad on 22 July 2025. pic.twitter.com/oZFZgCinzi
— Shehbaz Digital Media (@ShehbazDigital) July 22, 2025
After the meeting, General Munir had reassured Chinese leadership that Pakistan’s military is all set to provide protection for Chinese nationals, establishments, and CPEC-related investments. He also declared Islamabad’s willingness to ‘enhance bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation with China’.
China has repeatedly called for ‘strict action’ from Pakistani authorities after every major incident and urged tangible gains in security measures. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad has released several public statements criticizing the violence and reaffirming its call for greater protection.
Followed by the latest concerns, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level security meeting on July 22, instructing security agencies to urgently enhance protective measures for Chinese workers and their related projects.
String of Deadly Attacks Raises Alarms
The security situation has been in international focus after a series of high-profile attacks:
March 26, 2024: Five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber struck them on their way to the Dasu Dam. Pakistan blamed Afghan involvement and then arrested at least 12 suspects.
October 6, 2024: Two Chinese nationals were killed and more than 10 were injured by a suicide attack on a Chinese convoy close to Karachi airport. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took responsibility.
August 13, 2023: The BLA Majeed Brigade attacked a convoy traveling towards Gwadar Port, killing four Chinese citizens and 11 Pakistani soldiers.
April 26, 2022: Three Chinese teachers were killed in a suicide blast at the Confucius Institute of Karachi University.
July 9, 2021: Nine Chinese workers and three Pakistanis died in a bus bombing close to the Dasu Dam project.
November 5, 2024: In a shocking violation, a Pakistani security official opened fire upon two Chinese workers of a Karachi-based textile factory. While the officials ruled out militancy as a reason, the incident renewed concerns regarding internal threats.
2022: A terrorist attack on a luxury hotel in Quetta, reportedly where the Chinese Ambassador was staying, resulted in five deaths. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) took responsibility.
November 23, 2018: Militants stormed the Chinese Consulate in Karachi’s Clifton area, leading to four deaths after a prolonged standoff.
These attacks, largely orchestrated by groups such as the BLA and the TTP, have formed a disturbing pattern targeting Chinese presence and interests across Pakistan.
The Strain on CPEC and Bilateral Relations
The persistent targeting of Chinese investments and workers represents not only a security threat but a significant threat to the CPEC project as well as the overall China-Pakistan alliance. Although both governments habitually describe their relationship as an ‘unbreakable friendship’, reality on the ground suggests increasing tension.
Rebel groups such as the BLA have openly threatened China to desist from pursuing its development projects, particularly in unstable areas such as Balochistan. In China, sentiment among the people has also turned more critical.
Chinese social media sites and online forums have seen a tide of outrage, with users asking questions about Pakistan’s capacity to provide security for foreign citizens.
China is still a key economic ally of Pakistan, and repeated loss of Chinese lives could not only risk current investments but could also redefine future strategic choices unless immediate and credible actions are undertaken to stem the rising trust deficit.
