There is an ongoing diplomatic dispute between China and Pakistan, and fear is that it may escalate if the two countries do not handle it well. In the past there have been economic concerns between the two countries, but these have been somewhat low-key.
Of course territorial conflicts in the region have been highlighted before, especially pertaining to the persistent tensions between Pakistan and India over the disputed territory of Kashmir, but China has always backed Pakistan in the matter. This means that China has been Pakistan’s ally. However, in the ongoing diplomatic tension, China and Pakistan are having a problem.
Why China is Annoyed with Pakistan
China has recently expressed worry over how its residents are being treated in Pakistan, and the Chinese government has even decided to shut part of its embassy in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Interior Minister, Mr. Sanaullah has ordered that security be enhanced not only for Pakistanis, but also for foreigners living in the country.
The security situation in Pakistan has been one of the main causes of irritation. In Pakistan, there have been violent episodes targeting Chinese nationals working on local projects. Valuable property has been destroyed in the process, in addition to the unfortunate loss of human life.
In mid-2021, a number of Chinese nationals working on a hydro-electric power plant in Pakistan were killed in a bomb incident, in what was thought to have been a suicide mission by Pakistani insurgents.
Currently, China is unhappy about the way its nationals are being treated in Pakistani officials.
The Chinese governmet has also expressed frustration over Pakistan’s perceived lack of progress on a number of important infrastructure projects already agreed upon. Several of these projects have experienced delays and other challenges, and this has upset the Chinese authorities.
There have also been concerns regarding some of the projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC, pertaining to accountability and transparency
It is China’s view that Pakistan should take more decisive action to protect China’s nationals within the country, and guarantee the viability of China’s investments in Pakistan. However, it does not appear like solving the simmering row between the two Asian countries is going to be easy, although it is in the interest of both China and Pakistani to cooperate.