November 2, 2024: In a rare public expression of discontent, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong declared it "unacceptable" that Chinese citizens have been targeted in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, highlighting growing tensions in the historically close relationship between the two nations. Ambassador Jiang's remarks came during an event in Islamabad, where he addressed the deaths of seven Chinese nationals in suicide bombings over the past six months.

The strained diplomatic tone was further exacerbated by comments from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. At a seminar organized by the Pakistan-China Institute, Dar revealed that Chinese officials had informed Pakistani counterparts that despite global security concerns, Pakistan remains the only country to which China sends its citizens for work. "The Chinese are very clear — no matter how lucrative an investment opportunity arises anywhere, if there is a security issue, they do not send Chinese personnel. Your country is the only exception," he stated.

This admission has left Pakistani officials "perplexed," given the backdrop of increasing security threats and a rising number of attacks targeting Chinese nationals involved in development projects in Pakistan. The comments underscore a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader investment initiatives, which have long been hailed as a cornerstone of economic partnership between the two nations.