Pakistan, China Strengthen Security Cooperation Amid Rising Militancy

During President Asif Ali Zardari’s five-day visit to Beijing, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel involved in development projects, as tensions rise due to ongoing militant attacks, VOA reported.

In a joint communique issued on Thursday, Pakistani leaders emphasized their responsibility to protect Chinese nationals, particularly in light of recent violence that has claimed the lives of at least 21 Chinese citizens since 2017.

The visit comes as Pakistan grapples with a surge in militant activities, notably from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from sanctuaries in Afghanistan. A recent military operation in North Waziristan resulted in the deaths of one soldier and 12 insurgents linked to the TTP, highlighting the ongoing security challenges.

Zardari and Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, discussed enhanced cooperation on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and border security. Both nations called on the Afghan Taliban to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, which pose threats to regional stability.