Beijing has ordered Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to stop attacks on Chinese nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects in the Balochistan region, citing attacks on Chinese people in Pakistan.

As per the reports, the warning from China came during a meeting of senior Pakistani and Chinese officials who shared their viewpoints on the world and regional security circumstances. Following allegations of Chinese citizens being targeted in Pakistan, the Islamabad Police has decided to establish a foreign security unit at the Central Police Office (CPO).

According to the statement, the “Apex Meeting” was held on June 12th, with the Pakistani side led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and the Chinese side led by General Zhang Youxia Vice Chairman Central Military Commission of China.

According to The News International, it was agreed to apply all standard operating procedures to non-China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) security projects based on the CPEC security model. The security arrangements will also be audited on a regular basis by the Special Branch, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the Security Division.

General Bajwa, Pakistan’s Army Chief, led a Pakistani delegation to China for an “Apex conference” with the Chinese military. Both sides agreed to step up counter-terrorism cooperation.

Baloch organizations’ attacks on Chinese nationals were also mentioned during the meeting. Geopolitical tensions have risen in Pakistan, as the Baloch insurgency continues to represent a danger to Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Baloch rebels who stand against the Pakistani army often target CPEC infrastructure projects such as gas pipelines and electricity towers. It is alleged that they see China as an imperialist entity that, along with the Pakistan government, wants to steal Balochistan’s natural sources.

In a news release, Inter-Services Public Relations said, “Both parties addressed their viewpoints on the international and regional security situation, and expressed pleasure with defense cooperation between the two countries.”

From June 9 to 12, a Pakistani senior tri-service military delegation visited China and conducted extensive consultations with top officials from the Chinese military and other government departments.

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