Belt, Road, and Bloodshed: The Rising Violence Against Chinese Nationals in Pakistan and Tajikistan
Baloch families advocating for justice for their loved ones, who have been forcibly disappeared as part of the Pakistani state's crackdown on dissent in Balochistan.
By Kadeem Baloch
Chinese-funded infrastructure and development projects in South and Central Asia, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have long promised economic growth and connectivity. However, a recent surge in violence targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan and Tajikistan reveals growing risks tied to these investments. Extremist groups in these regions have intensified their campaigns, reflecting deep-seated grievances and opposition to China’s presence.
The history of violence targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan dates back two decades, but recent years have seen a sharp uptick in both the number and severity of incidents. In 2024 alone, at least seven Chinese workers lost their lives in targeted attacks. These include suicide bombings, ambushes, and targeted shootings, often claimed by separatist or militant groups.
One of the deadliest incidents this year occurred near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where a suicide bomber killed two Chinese engineers working on a coal power plant project. This attack, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), not only demonstrated the group’s operational capability but also underscored the growing animosity toward Chinese investments in Pakistan.
Earlier this year, in the Besham area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another suicide bombing targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers traveling to the Dasu Hydropower Project. This attack, though unclaimed, was attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), further complicating the security landscape for Chinese workers.
The BLA has emerged as a key player in the wave of violence against Chinese nationals. Over the years, the group has adapted its tactics, transitioning from conventional attacks to sophisticated methods, including suicide bombings and the use of female operatives. For instance, in April 2022, the BLA executed a suicide bombing outside the Confucius Institute at Karachi University, killing three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani driver. This attack marked the first use of a female suicide bomber by the group, symbolizing its growing audacity and tactical innovation. BLA views CPEC as an existential threat to the Baloch cause, arguing that the initiative exploits the province’s resources while marginalizing its people. By targeting Chinese nationals and projects, the group aims to disrupt these investments and strain the Pakistan-China relationship.
While BLA has been at the forefront of attacks, other groups have also targeted Chinese interests. The TTP, known for its Islamist ideology, has occasionally joined forces with separatist groups like the BLA, forming an unofficial alliance against the state. This collaboration raises serious concerns, as it brings together the operational expertise and resources of two potent organizations.
Islamist groups like the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and local offshoots of al-Qaeda have also targeted Chinese nationals, motivated by their opposition to foreign influence and their ideological hostility toward China’s treatment of its Muslim minority populations.
The growing frequency of attacks has had a profound impact on Pakistan’s economic and political stability. Chinese investments, particularly under CPEC, are seen as a lifeline for Pakistan’s struggling economy. However, the escalating violence has cast a shadow over these projects, with Beijing increasingly voicing frustration over Islamabad’s inability to ensure security. Indeed, there are signs that Chinese investors are reconsidering their commitments. Delays in project implementation, rising costs due to enhanced security measures, and the loss of skilled personnel have made CPEC a contentious issue.
At the heart of the issue are unresolved grievances in regions like Balochistan and Sindh, where many CPEC projects are concentrated. Local communities often view these initiatives as exploitative, benefiting external stakeholders while leaving them impoverished. For example, Balochistan, despite being rich in natural resources, remains one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions. Residents accuse the government and foreign investors of exploiting their resources without addressing local needs. As one villager expressed, “We see our land being taken and our resources being drained, but we have nothing to show for it—no schools, no hospitals, no jobs.”
Recent attacks also highlight a disturbing trend of increased precision and planning. Groups like the BLA and TTP have access to advanced weaponry, often acquired through smuggling or looting. The use of modern explosives and coordination in attacks points to external funding and training, raising questions about the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing the violence. The recruitment of women and young individuals into militant ranks has further complicated counterterrorism efforts. These developments indicate a shift in the operational strategies of these groups, making them harder to predict and counter. Pakistan with increased radicalisation among youth has been a fertile ground for terror groups to recruit their cadres.
In Tajikistan, the killing of a Chinese worker in the Zarbuzi Gorge marks the first recorded attack of its kind. Although the specifics remain unclear, the incident underscores the broader security risks in the region. Tajikistan’s southern frontier, plagued by extremism and criminal activities such as drug trafficking, has become increasingly volatile.
The presence of groups like the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and Jamaat Ansarullah adds another layer of complexity. These organizations, coupled with local resentment over perceived foreign exploitation, pose significant challenges to the security of Chinese projects. Tajikistan has become a strategic focus for China, with Beijing investing heavily in infrastructure and energy development while also supporting local security forces.
A regional analyst observed, “The attack in Tajikistan reflects a growing trend of hostility towards external actors, driven by a mix of ideological and economic factors.” The incident has prompted calls for stronger regional cooperation to address shared security threats.
The rising attacks have cast a shadow over the Belt and Road Initiative, a cornerstone of China’s global economic strategy. The security risks not only endanger lives but also threaten the viability of long-term projects in politically unstable regions.
In response to these challenges, China has taken steps to enhance security measures, including joint counterterrorism exercises with Pakistan. However, such measures address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the unrest. Local engagement, inclusive development strategies, and conflict resolution efforts are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of these projects.
The author chooses a pseudonym. Kadeem Baloch is a freelance journalist based in Pakistan.
Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.
