Countries must protect foreign diplomats: Chi

According to media reports in Pakistan, the Chinese Embassy has requested the Pakistani government to increase security for its ambassador.

The Chinese diplomatic mission reportedly has cited a possible attack from the banned outfit East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). “I think it is the obligation of a sovereign country to protect diplomatic missions and personnel according to the Vien Convention,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Geng, however, said he was not aware of any Chinese request to Pakistan. “ETIM is a terrorist organisation listed by the UN Security Council. Combating ETIM is an important part of the intertiol counterterrorism effort.” In June, two Chinese tiols were abducted and killed in Pakistan’s Quetta province. Pakistan had said they were linked with a missiory group in South Korea and were preaching Christianity. The key component of Chi’s ambitious Belt and Road goes through Pakistan’s restive Balochistan where many oppose the project. (IANS)