Many terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals have occurred in Pakistan. These attacks have been carried out by Pakistani terrorist organizations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pakistani Taliban. Chinese investment in Pakistan, the end of American policing of terrorism in the region, and the treatment of the Uyghur people in China have all contributed to an increase in terror attacks targeting China.

Cause

Attacks by Pakistani militants targeting Chinese nationals have occurred since 2004.^[1] They increased beginning in 2018 as China's global influence increases, and Chinese nationals are victims of terror attacks more commonly in Pakistan than in any other country. The attacks have further increased since the American withdrawal from Afghanistan and the resulting increase in terrorism following the end of American involvement. China has engaged in talks with the Afghan Taliban to limit collaboration with groups that carry out terror attacks against Chinese nationals.^[2]

Nationalist movements have become increasingly critical of China as its role on the world stage increases, with ethnonationalists describing it as "neocolonialist". The situation of Uyghurs in Xinjiang has increased in importance for Jihadi groups during the Uyghur genocide carried out by the Chinese government.^[2]

The region of Balochistan is a major focus of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Under this agreement, China has invested heavily in the region's economy and has established businesses in the area. The influx of Chinese nationals to facilitate this program has caused conflict with nationalist and separatist groups such as the BLA. The BLA has described China as an "oppressor"^[3] Ethnoseparatists are in conflict with the Pakistani government, and Chinese cooperation government is seen as a threat to this cause.^[2] Pakistan has faced various security challenges, including terrorism from different groups operating within its borders, these issues have generally not been framed as "anti-China terrorism." Instead, these challenges have primarily related to domestic issues, regional conflicts, and extremist ideologies.^[4]

Response

China expanded its counterterrorism efforts following the September 11 attacks in the United States, with particular emphasis on Pakistan.^[5] China is one of the many nations with which Pakistan has collaborated in anti-terrorism agreements, and economic relations between the countries have compelled more interactions to limit terrorism. In 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao offered Pakistan support in improving its security policy. The interior ministries of China and Pakistan participate in exchanges of expertise and intelligence to combat terrorism that targets both countries.^[1] In April 2015, a Pakistani military security force was formed with 12,000 soldiers to protect Chinese nationals in the country.^[6]

Attacks

• China has said plans were made to kidnap Chinese diplomats in Pakistan in 2008 and 2009, but that they were intercepted.^[5]
• The BLA carried out an attack on the Chinese consulate in Clifton, Karachi on 23 November 2018. The attack involved three gunman attempting to gain entry to the consulate and firing upon police, with two police officers being killed in the attack.^[3]
• A suicide bombing was carried out by the Pakistani Taliban on 21 April 2021 in Quetta appearing to target Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong. Nong Rong was at the hotel during the bombing, but five others were killed.^[7]
• A bombing killed nine Chinese workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 14 July 2021. The attack occurred when a vehicle carrying explosives collided with a bus carrying Chinese engineers to a construction site. Two Pakistani soldiers were also killed.^[8] No group has claimed responsibility for the attack,^[2] though Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the attack was carried out by the Pakistani Taliban with backing from Afghanistan and India.^[8]
• A suicide bombing targeted a vehicle carrying Chinese nationals in Gwadar was carried out by the BLA on 20 August 2021. Two children were killed.^[9]
• A suicide bombing was carried out by the BLA at the Confucius Institute of the University of Karachi in 26 April 2022. Three Chinese instructors and their Pakistani driver were killed, and one Chinese instructor was injured.^[10]