China has sought permission from Pakistan to station its security personnel within the country due to rising attacks on Chinese nationals, reported Nikkei Asia on Tuesday, citing an opinion piece by Ayesha Siddiqa, a senior fellow with the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

According to Siddiqa, Beijing wants to ensure foolproof security for its 1,200 workers involved in constructing vital infrastructure and educational projects in Pakistan, amid persistent attacks jeopardising the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives.

The opinion piece highlighted a suicide bombing that killed three Chinese language teachers at Karachi University in 2022, prompting Islamabad to permit Chinese investigators and pledge enhanced protection for Chinese workers. However, subsequent attacks revealed security lapses, including unsafe transport methods.

The CPEC army division, though led by military officers, mainly comprises civilian police officers with inadequate training, many of whom are engaged in domestic political tasks rather than prioritising the security of Chinese workers.

Recent developments indicate a shift in Pakistan's focus from CPEC and China's projects, with discussions reportedly underway with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund regarding the Reko Diq copper and gold mine. Meanwhile, Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistan's current army chief, has shown a preference for closer ties with the West, leading to promises of support from the U.S. in various sectors.

While China remains pivotal to Pakistan's defence infrastructure, internal shifts suggest a growing inclination to accommodate other foreign investors. This evolving dynamic reflects Pakistan's geopolitical strategy, with officials acknowledging the importance of maintaining ties with both China and the West.