China has declared that Beijing will keep assisting Pakistan’s socioeconomic growth and that attempts to “sabotage” China-Pakistan cooperation will never be successful.
The declaration was made the day after a suicide bombing in the Besham neighborhood of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals as well as their Pakistani chauffeur.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan called for a thorough investigation and the punishment of those responsible for the incident shortly after it occurred. China also pleaded with Islamabad to ensure that such occurrences do not happen again and asked for the safety of its citizens living in Pakistan.
At the regular press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, however, struck a different tone by highlighting ongoing collaboration.
China is fully behind Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Our dedication to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese individuals, organizations, and initiatives abroad is unwavering.
China and Pakistan have the resolve and capability to make the terrorists pay the price. Our two countries are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship is deeply rooted in the two peoples,” Lin Jian said.
Read More: Five Chinese nationals killed in suicide attack near Besham
“No attempt to undermine China-Pakistan cooperation will ever be successful,” he continued. China is steadfast in its will to collaborate with Pakistan in a variety of sectors and provide more benefits to the two peoples. We will continue to support Pakistan’s socioeconomic growth and efforts to improve the lives of its people.
Lin said China is appreciative that other nations have also denounced the attack and shown compassion for the Chinese victims.
Pakistan on Wednesday held a high-level security meeting attended by the prime minister and the chief of army staff. Islamabad declared that a joint investigation team would look into the attack and pledged to protect Chinese people employed there.