In a high-stakes diplomatic interaction, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised strong concerns over the safety of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan during a meeting with Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This was Munir’s first visit to Beijing since Pakistan’s recent military standoff with India in May during Operation Sindoor.
Wang Yi made it clear that the security of Chinese workers and investments was a top priority for Beijing. The concern comes amid a surge in attacks by Baloch militants on Pakistani forces and China-backed infrastructure projects, many of which are part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Assuring the Chinese leadership, Munir stated that Pakistan’s armed forces would take “all necessary measures” to ensure the protection of Chinese personnel and assets. He reiterated that the strategic partnership between the two countries was “solid as a rock” and time-tested.
During the meeting, Wang praised the Pakistani military as a “staunch defender of national interests” and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support. “The two sides have always firmly supported each other on issues involving core interests and have stood together in the face of various challenges,” read a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Significantly, Wang noted that Pakistan remained a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy — a veiled message to New Delhi amid rising India-China tensions. He called on the Pakistani military to continue efforts against all forms of terrorism and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions across Pakistan.
Earlier this year, in a rare move, China deployed private security contractors to protect its projects in Pakistan, underlining growing unease about the security environment in Balochistan and elsewhere.
The Indian Army has previously claimed that China provided real-time intelligence inputs to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, and that Pakistani forces used Chinese-origin equipment during the conflict — much of which reportedly failed under pressure.
Munir, acknowledging China’s long-standing support, said that cooperation with Beijing had the full backing of the Pakistani people. He thanked China for contributing to Pakistan’s economic and social development.
The visit underscored the deepening political and military ties between Beijing and Islamabad even as regional tensions continue to rise.
