All's Not Well With "All-Weather Friends" As Pakistan Shuts Down Some Chinese Businesses For Lack Of Security

Karachi police recently closed some Chinese-run businesses and establishments in the city to prevent potential terrorist attacks that could harm the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, according to Nikkei Asia.

This move reflects an awkward situation for the two "all-weather friends."

After urging Chinese citizens to stay vigilant over the worsening security conditions in Pakistan, China had closed its embassy's consular section temporarily nearly a month ago.

Despite Beijing's repeated warnings, Pakistani authorities appear to have neglected Chinese citizens' safety in the country.

Islamabad may be indirectly urging China to pardon or delay Pakistan's repayment of a large loan, according to certain reports.

Terrorist groups in Pakistan attack Chinese citizens and projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

An increasing number of Pakistanis believe that China is seizing their land, using financial investments, mining operations, and commercial projects to disguise its economic grab.

Beijing isn't happy with current security arrangements, and has repeatedly expressed concerns to Islamabad.

Karachi police had closed some Chinese businesses in mid-March due to intelligence alerts of potential attacks, as reported by the media.

Local officials stated that Chinese-owned businesses were sealed due to failure in implementing security measures, even after repeated warnings, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

The insufficient security provided to Chinese businesses in Karachi has caused embarrassment for the local and central governments in Pakistan.

The increasing number of Chinese nationals being harmed in Pakistan is deeply concerning Chinese companies and the government.

Such attacks will impede investments and strain the relationship between China and Pakistan.

China's plan to extend CPEC in the region is likely to increase the security difficulties faced by Chinese citizens in Pakistan and Afghanistan.