Sindh, once a relatively stable region in southern Pakistan, is now at the center of a growing storm, caught between the rising militarization of Pakistan’s internal security and the quiet but forceful arrival of Chinese private security operatives.
For India, the deployment raises red flags, as it reflects deeper China-Pakistan military coordination and the potential for Chinese forces to be stationed closer to Indian borders.
Last month, China deployed private security personnel to Pakistan’s Sindh province for the first time under a joint framework, marking a significant expansion of its security footprint abroad.
This move follows a rise in attacks on Chinese nationals and signals Beijing’s direct intent to protect its strategic interests.
Around 30,000 Chinese nationals are currently working on the US$60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with about 6,500 employed at two power plants in Sindh’s Thar Coal Block alone.
Launched in 2015 as part of China’s sweeping Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC aims to transform Pakistan’s infrastructure, boost connectivity, and deepen Beijing’s influence across South Asia and beyond.
Rising Attacks Spur China’s Security Moves In Pakistan
China’s deployment of private security personnel in Sindh comes on the heels of a surge in deadly militant attacks, particularly by Baloch separatist groups targeting Chinese nationals and CPEC-linked projects.
A recent wave of violence includes the deadly bombing of a military bus and the hijacking of the Jafar Express, both attributed to Baloch insurgents.
On October 6, 2024, a suicide attack by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) killed two Chinese nationals, underscoring the escalating threat. Even outside the insurgency zones, tensions persist, such as the Korangi incident, where a disgruntled local guard shot a Chinese worker at a garment factory.
At the heart of this unrest is long-standing resentment in Balochistan—Pakistan’s resource-rich but impoverished province—where locals accuse both Islamabad and Beijing of exploiting their land for gas, coal, and minerals, while offering little in return. The BLA and similar groups view CPEC as a symbol of foreign occupation and economic exclusion.
Despite nearly a decade since CPEC was hailed as a “game changer,” many Pakistanis remain disillusioned. Social and economic conditions have barely improved, fuelling widespread anger against the increasing Chinese presence.
As attacks have intensified—especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 2023–24—Beijing has responded by bolstering on-ground security. Private Chinese contractors and military-backed personnel now work alongside Pakistani forces, reflecting China’s growing concern over the safety of its nationals and strategic investments.
Chinese Mercenaries Land In Pakistan
For the first time, China has deployed private security personnel in Pakistan’s Sindh province, marking a dramatic shift in how Beijing protects its nationals amid growing militant threats.
Operating under ‘the Joint Security Companies Framework’—signed by Pakistan under pressure from Beijing—Chinese security contractors now oversee the protection of their citizens and projects, especially in high-risk CPEC zones.
Previously, China had pushed for People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops to be stationed in Pakistan, a request Islamabad initially refused. But with rising attacks on Chinese nationals, Pakistan relented—first by considering the hiring of ex-military personnel in November 2024, then by greenlighting Chinese private security deployment.
In the first phase, 60 Chinese security operatives were dispatched to two CPEC power projects in Sindh, with authority to supervise Pakistani forces on-site.
Three Chinese firms—Dewe Security, Frontier Services Group, and Huaxin Zhongshan Security—have been tapped for this mission. Their duties include escorting workers, guarding infrastructure, and conducting surveillance.
These Chinese personnel serve as the first line of defense, deliberately minimizing locals’ access to Chinese nationals. The Sindh government has also launched a special hotline to connect Chinese citizens directly with local law enforcement.
A Growing Strategic Threat For India
China’s expanding security role in Pakistan is no longer limited to economic interests—it now carries direct strategic implications for India.
In 2024, over 300 Chinese troops participated in the Warrior-VIII joint drills with Pakistani forces, focusing on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and tactical coordination. These exercises underscore Beijing’s intent to take a hands-on approach in securing its assets, rather than relying solely on Pakistani protection.
More concerning for India is China’s quiet military backing of Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC). This includes the construction of fortified bunkers, supply of drones and UAVs, encrypted communication systems, and advanced radar technology—all enhancing Pakistan’s surveillance and strike capabilities against India.
From India’s perspective, China’s deepening military cooperation with Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to encircle New Delhi, reinforced by its growing influence in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Intelligence cooperation between China and Pakistan also raises fears of cross-border surveillance extending into Indian territory.
There is growing speculation that China could eventually deploy permanent security personnel at critical CPEC sites such as Gwadar Port, hydropower projects, and key transport corridors. Should attacks persist, Beijing may push for official PLA deployment on Pakistani soil—an alarming shift for regional stability.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s own sovereignty appears increasingly compromised. Under Beijing’s pressure, Islamabad has ramped up defense allocations—not to protect its citizens, but to safeguard Chinese workers and infrastructure.
The cost? Rising internal dissent, protests in Balochistan, and the potential destabilization of Sindh.
Pakistan, under pressure from China, has increased its defense spending. In addition to the Rs 60 billion (US$214 million) allocated for “Operation Azm-e-Istekham,” another Rs 90 billion (US$321 million) was approved specifically for safeguarding Chinese nationals and CPEC Phase II assets.
This growing foreign presence is fuelling domestic backlash. In Balochistan, especially, locals view Chinese involvement as neo-colonial exploitation. The deployment of Chinese security personnel not only challenges Pakistan’s sovereignty but also amplifies internal unrest.
Conclusion
Amid mounting insurgent attacks—especially by Baloch separatists—China no longer trusts Islamabad’s promises and has opted to take security into its own hands. As Chinese boots—albeit in private uniforms—hit Pakistani soil, the region finds itself at a geopolitical crossroads. What began as a promise of prosperity has transformed into a heavily guarded corridor of control, pushing the region into an uneasy new reality.
- Shubhangi Palve is a defense and aerospace journalist. Before joining the EurAsian Times, she worked for ET Prime. She has over 15 years of extensive experience in the media industry, spanning print, electronic, and online domains.
- Contact the author at shubhapalve (at) gmail.com
