"Attack in Pakistan's Gwadar strikes near heart of China's interests" 22 March 2024

A militant attack near the southwestern Pakistani port of Gwadar has reignited security concerns surrounding China's Belt and Road projects in the country, challenging the new government in Islamabad and undermining assurances to Beijing.

Eight militants stormed the Gwadar Port Authority complex on Wednesday, 7 kilometers from the port itself and operated by China Overseas Ports Holding as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They crashed a car full of explosives into the gate of the complex, but it did not fully detonate. As many as five security personnel were killed, along with all eight attackers...

The Majeed Brigade of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that wants to carve out an independent state in the province of Balochistan, claimed responsibility. The BLA called the attack a warning to foreign investors interested in Gwadar...

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday reiterated that Beijing stands with Pakistan...

But the deadly incident calls into question the effectiveness of Pakistan's efforts to expand security for Chinese interests in the country...experts say the attack will once again pressure Pakistan's government to step up security for Chinese concerns...