China Threatens to Slow Pakistan Investments Amid Militant Surge

The Government of China is expected to slow new investments and reassess existing projects in Pakistan unless security improves in the Balochistan province. Beijing has invested approximately USD 65 billion into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project covering energy, minerals, and infrastructure, including the Gwadar Port. However, a volatile security environment has caused the initiative to lose its initial momentum.

During the first half of 2026, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched over 100 attacks targeting foreign investment projects, Pakistani security forces, and infrastructure. These militants declared an economic blockade, which resulted in the torching of over 200 vehicles. Recent violence includes strikes on military convoys in the Noshki and Chagai districts, while the Gwadar Port has effectively become a no-go zone.

The BLA claims these attacks are responses to the exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources by the Pakistani government and China, as the group seeks an independent Balochistan. In response to the instability, China is now demanding stronger security guarantees from the Government of Pakistan before committing further resources to the region.