Why are China and US worried about latest attacks in Balochistan? | World News

Balochistan Unrest: A series of attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province killed 31 civilians and 17 security personnel. The state government said security forces neutralized at least 145 attackers in a lengthy operation that lasted nearly two days.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks and called its operations “HeroF 2.0” or “Black Storm”. It was stated that dozens of soldiers were killed and some were kidnapped. There is no independent verification of these claims and the Pakistani military declined to comment.

Baluchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, covers approximately 44 percent of Pakistan’s territory. It also covers part of the Arabian Sea coast. Approximately five percent of Pakistan’s population lives in the province. Locals have long criticized the government for exploiting the region’s rich mineral resources while providing limited benefits to the public.

The region is rich in natural resources such as gas, oil, copper, gold, iron, zinc, chromite, gypsum, coal, marble and granite. Major projects such as the Reko Diq mine and the Saindak project promise economic gains for local people, but these promises are often delayed or unfulfilled.

There is a significant disparity in the state’s energy production. Balochistan produces around 2,280 megawatts of electricity but receives only around 700 to 800 megawatts. More than half of the population lives without electricity. The region supplies 17 percent of Pakistan’s gas supply and consumes only a fraction of it.

Historic pipelines from Sui and other areas send gas out of state, leaving households dependent on traditional cooking methods despite a constitutional requirement to prioritize local use.

Local grievances are compounded by allegations of kidnappings, extrajudicial killings and military repression, fueling anger against security forces.

Experts say the Pakistani government sees the strategic and economic advantage of having control over the region, but local demands are not being met. Foreign powers are monitoring these dynamics.

China has invested heavily in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to strengthen commercial access to the Arabian Sea and integrate projects with the Belt and Road Initiative. Increasing instability threatens the completion of key projects, including the Gwadar Port and major infrastructure developments.

Experts argue that addressing local concerns and ensuring fair distribution of benefits is essential to maintaining stability and protecting investments.

The USA has increased its activities in Balochistan. American companies have signed deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars to invest in mining and infrastructure. These projects create employment in Balochistan. Recent attacks may be linked to increased international investment. The United States also closely monitors China’s influence in the region.

The Pakistani government accused India of supporting rebel activities in Balochistan and described the attacks as “India-backed”. However, India rejected these allegations and stated that they were baseless and part of Pakistan’s long-standing strategy to divert attention from domestic issues.

Conflicts in Balochistan continue to attract the attention of both China and the United States due to the province’s strategic location, rich mineral reserves and important infrastructure projects.

Experts emphasize that sustainable solutions require addressing local problems, ensuring equitable development, and ensuring security against foreign investments and regional rivalries.