Attack in Pakistan's Gwadar strikes near heart of China's interests

Challenge of securing Belt and Road projects resurfaces for new Sharif government

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Pakistani soldiers on patrol at the China-developed port of Gwadar in 2017. A deadly attack near the port this week once again underscored the difficulty of protecting Chinese interests, which have become a target for militants. © AP

ADNAN AAMIR, Contributing writer

ISLAMABAD -- A militant attack near the southwestern Pakistani port of Gwadar has reignited security concerns surrounding China's Belt and Road projects in the country, challenging the new government in Islamabad and undermining assurances to Beijing.

Eight militants stormed the Gwadar Port Authority complex on Wednesday, 7 kilometers from the port itself and operated by China Overseas Ports Holding as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They crashed a car full of explosives into the gate of the complex, but it did not fully detonate. As many as five security personnel were killed, along with all eight attackers, local officials told Nikkei Asia.

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