Laying the foundations of the Belt-Road Project in line with its goal of controlling global trade routes in 2013, China has established relations with various regions and countries of the world. The China based project, proceeds within the frame of a win-win approach and mutual respect has made important initiatives for states at the point of economic development and infrastructure improvement. In this process, while China was creating an important social and economic sphere of influence; faced with different threats. At this stage, one of the main priorities of the Belt-Road Project for China has been the security of investments and corridors. This situation, clearly shows itself in recent developments.
South Asia and Africa are among the regions with which China has developed relations within the scope of the Belt-Road Project. First of all, Chinese investments and projects in South Asia are subject to significant attacks. One of the last attacks took place in Afghanistan. The so-called Emirate of Khorasan (ISKP) of the terrorist organization State of Iraq and Sham (DEAS) attacked a hotel in Kabul where Chinese nationals were staying on 12 December 2022.[1]
After the hotel attack, China wanted its citizens to leave Afghanistan. The fear and threat created by the attack had a direct negative impact on both Afghanistan and China. Because it can be said that the attacks pose a direct threat to China and its investments. Because the place where the attack took place is a popular hotel, popular with Chinese diplomats and business people.[2]
The situation in question will also negatively affect the realization process of Chinese investments and projects. In addition, the attack is not only worries China; It also worries other states and companies. At this point, it is seen that the aim of the attack was to make the problems in Afghanistan permanent and deepen. Especially when considered in the context of terrorist organizations such as ISKP, these organizations try to recruit new militants by manipulating crises and problems.
On the other hand, one of the groups that most threaten Chinese investments in South Asia is the secessionist Baloch organizations. The aim of secessionist organizations, which attack Chinese investments and Chinese nationals at different times is to prevent investments in Pakistan. After an attack in October 2022, terrorist organizations released a video threatening China that they will target more unless they leave Pakistan. Considered within the scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has an investment of more than 60 billion dollars, this project is important both for the economic development of Pakistan and for the development of its infrastructure.[3] But, since a strong Pakistan without economic problems will prevent terrorist organizations from achieving their aims, these organizations target the investments of countries such as China.
China is experiencing one of the most important problems regarding terrorism in Africa. Especially, the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab organizes various attacks on Chinese investments and Chinese nationals. Al-Shabaab’s ties to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda[4] turn the organization into a major threat in Kenya[5] and Somalia.[6] Against the attacks of the organization, the Beijing administration sends military equipment to the states in the region.[7]
The most important problem faced by China in terms of investments made within the scope of the Belt-Road Project is terrorism. Although this situation causes geopolitical problems, it is not limited to this. Because the attacks threaten the security of Chinese nationals.
On the other hand, the Beijing administration also makes various demands from the states, such as deploying soldiers, increasing the protection of diplomatic missions and agreements with private security companies to ensure security.[8]
As a result, investments made by China are on the targets of terrorist organizations. In response to the attacks on its investments Beijing, sends various aids to its cooperating actors. But, it can be said that this is insufficient at one point.
[1] Mohammad Yunus Yawar, “China ‘Shocked’ at Kabul Hotel Attack That Injured Its Five Citizens”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/five-chinese-citizens-badly-injured-kabul-attack-businessman-says-2022-12-13/, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[2] Eltaf Najafizada, “ISIS Bomb Targets Chinese Diplomats, Executives in Afghanistan”, Bloomberg, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-13/isis-bomb-targets-chinese-diplomats-executives-in-afghanistan?leadSource=uverify%20wall, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[3] By Asif Shahzad-Syed Raza Hassan, “Alarmed by suicide attack, China and Pakistan Work Together on Probe”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/alarmed-by-suicide-attack-china-pakistan-join-hands-probe-2022-10-31/, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[4] Riccardo Valle-Lucas Webber, “The Historical Evolution of al-Qaeda’s Positions on China”, Hudson Institute, https://www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/the-historical-evolution-of-al-qaeda-s-positions-on-china, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[5] Eric Olander, “Al-Shabaab Militants Attack Chinese Construction Site in Kenya”, China Global South Project, https://chinaglobalsouth.com/2020/02/10/al-shabaab-militants-attack-chinese-construction-site-in-kenya/, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[6] “Chinese National Among 5 Killed in Attack near Somalia Border”, Arab News, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2041351/world, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[7] Joe Saballa, “China Donates Military Equipment to Somalia”, The Defense Post, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/03/21/china-military-equipment-somalia/, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[8] LI Nan, “Major Security Challenges to China’s Belt and Road Initiative”, East Asian Policy, 11(2), 2019, p. 95-103.
