China's Strategic Move: Security Personnel Deployment in Pakistan under CPEC

In recent news regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), there are emerging reports about the possible deployment of Chinese security personnel in Pakistan. While neither the Chinese nor the Pakistani government has confirmed this deployment, local media has frequently highlighted China's demand for private security firms to protect critical CPEC infrastructure. This first phase of deployment is anticipated to expand as the security situation evolves.

The CPEC, launched in 2013 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to boost economic growth in Pakistan through extensive investments in infrastructure, energy, and transportation.

The urgency for enhanced security became even more apparent following a tragic incident at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport in October 2024, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals. Such events have heightened fears for Chinese personnel and strained Sino-Pakistani relations, urging both governments to engage diplomatically to prevent further escalation of tensions.

China Pakistan Economic corridor passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir

The rise of Chinese private security companies (PSCs) signifies a strategic pivot in how China addresses risks associated with overseas investments. For example, companies like Frontier Services Group, which works closely with the Chinese government, provide a necessary layer of security while enabling China to safeguard investments without directly engaging military forces.

These PSCs are not just tasked with protection; they also conduct intelligence gathering and risk assessments. In fact, reports indicate that Chinese PSCs have been involved in averting crises and ensuring that projects remain on track, thereby enhancing China’s strategic interests globally.

Hijacking of the Jaffar Express (generated through AI)

The security climate in Pakistan has deteriorated sharply, marked by incidents such as the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) in February 2025. This attack resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 18 security personnel. While no Chinese nationals were directly affected, this incident reignited discussions about the necessity for fortified security measures for Chinese-led projects.

Following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, various militant factions have taken advantage of the situation, escalating instability in Pakistan. The BLA has positioned itself as a formidable opponent to Chinese investments, arguing that they represent a continuation of the historical exploitation of Balochistan's abundant resources. In 2023 alone, the BLA claimed responsibility for over 30 attacks, targeting both military personnel and infrastructure linked to CPEC, exposing the vulnerabilities in Pakistan's security framework.

In response to these threats, the Pakistani military has mobilized specialized security forces, such as the 34th and 44th Light Infantry Divisions. These units focus on critical route security, intelligence gathering, and quick threat responses to protect CPEC ventures. Despite these efforts, doubts linger regarding their effectiveness in a landscape marked by increasing insurgency.

Long-term Strategy ?

A significant aspect of CPEC is its passage through regions claimed by India, particularly in the contentious areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of Chinese private security firms in these disputed territories could aggravate tensions between India and Pakistan, complicating regional diplomacy.

Additionally, the Gwadar Port's strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, where about 21 million barrels of oil pass daily, adds urgency to security concerns. The deployment of Chinese security forces in such sensitive areas raises alarms internationally and domestically. Any instability here could disrupt global oil supplies, underscoring the high stakes involved worldwide.