Recently, Pakistan and Iran have been strained by extremist attacks on the border, and Pakistan has recalled its ambassador to Tehran, but fortunately, China has intervened in time to broker the resumption of normal exchanges between Pakistan and Iran. Sadly, however, it didn't take long for the CPEC to be attacked. Clashes broke out in Balochistan province in Pakistan, and the border post of the Pakistani army was attacked by missiles, and the enemy fired at least 15 missiles, and the fighting on the spot was fierce. After the attack, the Pakistani military launched a counterattack and pushed the enemy back. Who exactly attacked Pakistan's border posts? According to the local armed group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), they are behind the scenes. The BLA is a local extremist armed group that is active in Pakistan and is supported by countries such as the United States and India. In particular, support for the BLA has waned after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, while India has been hoping that the local force will contain the Pakistani army. The BLA is operating in close proximity to Gwadar, the main port of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which poses a huge challenge for Pakistan. Last year, BLA's affiliates attacked a Chinese convoy at the port of Gwadar. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an important railway and energy corridor connecting the border between Pakistan and China, connecting the north and south of Pakistan, playing a positive role in the development of Pakistan and creating economic benefits for Pakistan. At the same time, it also gives China direct access to the Middle East and a steady stream of energy.
The BLA is a local armed group in Pakistan known for its radical independence leanings. In the eyes of Pakistan, the BLA is the country's ** force that seeks to undermine the country's stability and security. However, the BLA is reportedly supported by countries such as the United States and India. After the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, its support for the BLA tended to wane. India has been hoping that the BLA will be able to contain the Pakistani army in Pakistan to prevent cooperation between Pakistan and China. Therefore, it is very likely that the masterminds behind this attack are actually the United States and India, among others.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the largest project of cooperation between China and Pakistan, passing through Balochistan. However, the attack once again exposed the security threats facing CPEC. The existence of BLA has brought great challenges to the construction and normal operation of the corridor. In particular, the proximity of its area of activity to the Gwadar port poses considerable risks to China's investment and economic interests. Last year, a BLA affiliate attacked a Chinese convoy at the Gwadar port, once again highlighting the security concerns of the CPEC.
India has been trying to provoke both countries and has expressed its displeasure with the CPEC. There is a border dispute between India and Pakistan and has repeatedly provoked China and Pakistan in the border area. The attack took place in Balochistan, which is a manifestation of India's dissatisfaction with the CPEC. In addition, the United States is also trying to contain China's rise and does not want China to expand its influence on the international stage. As a result, the U.S. may also be manipulating behind the scenes in an attempt to interfere with China's outbound investment and the expansion of its influence.
As one of the largest countries in the world, China has close exchanges with other countries and actively invests abroad. This puts China's overseas interests under constant threat. Chinese personnel and projects abroad have been attacked on several occasions. The attack is yet another reminder that China needs to take stronger measures to safeguard its overseas interests.
China and Pakistan are traditional friendly partners, and the friendship between the two countries is deep. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of the important achievements of the cooperation between the two countries, which has created good opportunities for Pakistan's north-south development, and also provided China with direct access to the Middle East.
China adheres to the path of peaceful rise and advocates resolving conflicts through dialogue, rather than getting involved in any conflict. However, with the change of geopolitical order and the evolution of international power, conflicts are not uncommon around the world. As a rising power, China has a strong ability to safeguard the security of its overseas interests. However, this also requires China to strengthen cooperation in the international arena and strive for more support and understanding.
China and Pakistan should maintain unity and avoid interference by external forces in bilateral cooperation. The two sides should strengthen intelligence exchange and security cooperation to jointly address the threat of terrorism and extremist forces. The security issues of the CPEC need to be addressed by both sides to ensure its smooth construction and operation. Only through the joint efforts of both sides can CPEC maximize its benefits and make greater contributions to the development of the two countries and the region.
The attack on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a severe test for China-Pakistan cooperation. Although there may be interference from external forces behind it, the close relationship and friendship between China and Pakistan are unbreakable. Only through the joint efforts and cooperation of the two sides can we overcome various difficulties and challenges, promote the construction and development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and let the two peoples share the benefits brought by the fruits of cooperation. China will unswervingly safeguard the security of its overseas interests and make greater contributions to world peace and development.