Pakistan, China denounce British report claiming China seeks military presence at Gwadar port

Pakistan and China issued strongly worded statements on Monday rejecting a British media report that claimed Beijing was seeking military presence in Pakistan's strategic Gwadar port, highlighting tensions surrounding China's massive infrastructure investments in the South Asian nation.

Pakistan's foreign ministry "categorically rejected" what it called "baseless and unfounded allegations," while Chinese embassy officials accused The Guardian newspaper of fabricating quotes from a Chinese diplomat that suggested growing frustration with security threats to Chinese projects.

The diplomatic row erupted after The Guardianreported on Sunday that China was pressuring Pakistan to allow Chinese military forces at Gwadar port and airport facilities, which Beijing financed as part of its $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

China's embassy called the report "completely untrue" and countered with a detailed list of development projects in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, where Gwadar is located. These included a new hospital, desalination plant, and distribution of solar lighting equipment and health kits throughout 2024.

Pakistan's statement notably reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Policy while making no mention of specific allegations about Chinese military access. This diplomatic response came days after Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with a U.S.-based anti-China lobby group during his Washington visit.

Gwadar port, dubbed "Pakistan's Dubai" when announced, has faced growing local resistance and security challenges. The Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist group, has targeted Chinese workers and facilities, claiming Beijing is exploiting local resources.

Neither country's statement directly addressed The Guardian's specific claims about China's alleged requests for military access or the reported security concerns of Chinese officials working on CPEC projects.

Simmering tensions

Recent incidents and media reports have highlighted ongoing security concerns around Chinese projects in Pakistan. In October 2024, a suicide bombing near Karachi airport killed two Chinese engineers returning from Thailand, with investigators noting the explosive-laden vehicle waited unchecked for 40 minutes near the airport's security perimeter. Earlier that month, a Pakistani security guard shot and wounded two Chinese nationals at a factory in Karachi.

People stand near wreckage after blast near Karachi airport on October 6, 2024. Reuters

Media reports in November indicated that Beijing was pushing for operational control over security for its citizens in Pakistan following these attacks. Pakistan's then Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch denied these claims, calling them "speculative" and "agenda-driven," while emphasizing Pakistan's capability to protect Chinese citizens "at all costs."

Under current arrangements, only Chinese embassies and consulates in Pakistan are permitted to have Chinese security personnel on-site. Protection for thousands of Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects is provided by Pakistan's army, police, and a dedicated Special Protection Unit.

The Chinese ambassador's public criticism of Pakistan's security measures in October 2024 led to diplomatic tension, with Pakistan's Foreign Ministry describing the comments as "perplexing" and contrary to diplomatic norms.