BEIJING: China strongly condemned the attack on its consulate in Karachi and urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said all consular staff and their families were safe following the shooting.
“China strongly condemns any violent attacks against diplomatic agencies and requests that Pakistan takes practical measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country,” Geng said at a regular press briefing.
Three gunmen stormed the Chinese consulate on Friday morning and exchanged gunfire with security forces who shot them down.
Geng added the gunmen did not enter the consulate and the exchange of fire took place outside the facility.
“We highly appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani side,” he said when asked about Pakistan’s response to the attack.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has extended condolences over the martyrdom of two Pakistani policemen and said any attempt to undermine China-Pakistan friendship is “doomed to fail”.
An embassy-issued statement condemning the attack reads: “We appreciate the Pakistani Army and Police for their timely and proper action against the attack. We extend our deep condolences to the two Pakistani policemen martyred in the attack. We believe that the Pakistani side is able to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan. Any attempt to undermine China-Pakistan relationship is doomed to fail.”
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the attack would not affect Beijing’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which seeks to connect its western province Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar, in Balochistan.
“China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners,” the spokesman said.
“With the broad support of the two peoples, it (CPEC) is proceeding in an orderly manner. China will continue to work with Pakistan to firmly move forward with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he said.
Since the beginning of the project militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers.
In August this year, three Chinese nationals were among six wounded in a suicide attack on a bus transporting Chinese engineers working on a mining project in Balochistan.
“We highly appreciate the great efforts made by Pakistan to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the security of Chinese citizens and organisations in Pakistan,” Geng said.
“We also believe that Pakistan will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safe and smooth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he added.
