Pakistan-China Ties Under Strain: Security Concerns and Military Shortcomings

Asif Ali Zardari’s Visit Highlights Deepening Fears Over Chinese Investments and Pakistan’s Military Effectiveness

The recent state visit of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to China from February 4 to 8, 2025, has brought to the forefront critical issues concerning the security of Chinese investments in Pakistan. Despite public affirmations of an “ironclad friendship” between the two nations, underlying tensions, particularly regarding the safety of Chinese nationals and projects, cannot be overlooked.

Over the past years, there has been a disturbing increase in attacks targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan. Militant groups, notably the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have intensified their campaigns against projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These assaults have not only resulted in tragic loss of life but have also instilled apprehension among Chinese investors.

In response to these escalating threats, China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has expressed a firm commitment to bolstering intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms with Pakistan. This initiative aims to enhance the protection of Chinese nationals and infrastructure within Pakistani borders. 

However, this development raises critical questions about the efficacy of Pakistan’s own security apparatus, particularly the role of its military. The Pakistani military has historically been the principal guarantor of national security, including the safeguarding of foreign investments. The necessity for China to step in and augment security measures indicates a potential lapse or inadequacy on the part of Pakistan’s military establishment.

This situation is further complicated by the Pakistani military’s longstanding strategy of leveraging geopolitical rivalries for its own benefit. By positioning itself as an indispensable ally to major powers, the military has often secured substantial financial and strategic advantages. However, the current scenario suggests that such a strategy may be backfiring. The increasing involvement of Chinese security agencies within Pakistan could be interpreted as a diminishing confidence in the Pakistani military’s capabilities.

Moreover, the Pakistani military’s approach has, at times, been characterized by a rent-seeking attitude, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability. This perspective not only undermines national sovereignty but also jeopardizes critical international partnerships. The reliance on external powers to manage internal security challenges reflects poorly on the military’s commitment to genuine national interests.

The recent joint statement between China and Pakistan underscores the importance of projects like the Gwadar Port and the upgrading of Pakistan’s railway network. While these initiatives hold significant economic potential, their success is contingent upon a secure environment. The onus lies with Pakistan’s military to ensure that these projects are protected from insurgent threats. 

In conclusion, the Pakistani military must undertake a critical self-assessment. The increasing involvement of Chinese security agencies within Pakistan serves as a stark indicator of the military’s shortcomings. It is imperative for the military leadership to prioritize genuine national interests over personal or institutional gains. Failure to do so not only endangers vital international partnerships but also risks further erosion of Pakistan’s sovereignty and stability. 8, 2025, has brought to the forefront critical issues concerning the security of Chinese investments in Pakistan. Despite public affirmations of an “ironclad friendship” between the two nations, underlying tensions, particularly regarding the safety of Chinese nationals and projects, cannot be overlooked.

Over the past years, there has been a disturbing increase in attacks targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan. Militant groups, notably the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have intensified their campaigns against projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These assaults have not only resulted in tragic loss of life but have also instilled apprehension among Chinese investors.

In response to these escalating threats, China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has expressed a firm commitment to bolstering intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms with Pakistan. This initiative aims to enhance the protection of Chinese nationals and infrastructure within Pakistani borders.

However, this development raises critical questions about the efficacy of Pakistan’s own security apparatus, particularly the role of its military. The Pakistani military has historically been the principal guarantor of national security, including the safeguarding of foreign investments. The necessity for China to step in and augment security measures indicates a potential lapse or inadequacy on the part of Pakistan’s military establishment.

This situation is further complicated by the Pakistani military’s longstanding strategy of leveraging geopolitical rivalries for its own benefit. By positioning itself as an indispensable ally to major powers, the military has often secured substantial financial and strategic advantages. However, the current scenario suggests that such a strategy may be backfiring. The increasing involvement of Chinese security agencies within Pakistan could be interpreted as a diminishing confidence in the Pakistani military’s capabilities.

Moreover, the Pakistani military’s approach has, at times, been characterized by a rent-seeking attitude, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability. This perspective not only undermines national sovereignty but also jeopardizes critical international partnerships. The reliance on external powers to manage internal security challenges reflects poorly on the military’s commitment to genuine national interests.

The recent joint statement between China and Pakistan underscores the importance of projects like the Gwadar Port and the upgrading of Pakistan’s railway network. While these initiatives hold significant economic potential, their success is contingent upon a secure environment. The onus lies with Pakistan’s military to ensure that these projects are protected from insurgent threats.

In conclusion, the Pakistani military must undertake a critical self-assessment. The increasing involvement of Chinese security agencies within Pakistan serves as a stark indicator of the military’s shortcomings. It is imperative for the military leadership to prioritize genuine national interests over personal or institutional gains. Failure to do so not only endangers vital international partnerships but also risks further erosion of Pakistan’s sovereignty and stability.