What's happened
Two Chinese nationals were killed in a terrorist attack near Karachi's international airport on Sunday night. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, stating they targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers. The incident raises concerns over the safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan amid ongoing separatist violence.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Japan Times, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a targeted operation against Chinese nationals. The Chinese Embassy condemned the incident as a 'terrorist attack' and called for increased security measures. The New York Times highlighted the broader context of violence against Chinese interests in Pakistan, noting that since 2015, China has invested approximately $60 billion in the country. The Independent reported that the attack occurred just before a significant summit, raising concerns about security during international events. Overall, the coverage emphasizes the precarious situation for Chinese workers in Pakistan and the implications for bilateral relations.
How we got here
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has a history of targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan, accusing Beijing of exploiting the resource-rich Balochistan province. This attack follows a series of violent incidents against Chinese nationals in the region.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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