In response to a series of terrorist attacks targeting Chinese citizens in Pakistan, China has taken a significant step to ensure the safety of its nationals working on projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). To protect its citizens from rising security threats, particularly those posed by militant groups, China has signed an agreement with three private security firms to provide enhanced protection within Pakistan.
This move comes in the wake of several deadly attacks on Chinese nationals. A notable incident occurred on October 6, when two Chinese citizens were killed in a suicide bombing by the Baloch Liberation Army in the southwestern Baluchistan province. With tensions mounting, China decided to deploy its own security personnel rather than rely solely on Pakistani forces.
Private Security Firms to Lead the Effort
The Chinese government has enlisted three private security companies—Dewey Security Frontier Service Group, China Overseas Security Group, and Huaxin Zhongshan Security Service—to assume responsibility for safeguarding Chinese nationals in Pakistan. These companies, all linked to retired officers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), will now coordinate security operations in sensitive areas such as the CPEC infrastructure projects and the strategic Gwadar Port.
Pakistan had been reluctant to allow the deployment of the PLA on its soil due to concerns over national sovereignty and the potential diplomatic fallout. As a compromise, China turned to its private security firms, which maintain strong connections to the PLA but operate independently. This arrangement ensures that China can provide necessary protection to its citizens while avoiding the political sensitivities of deploying a military force abroad.
Connections with the PLA
The three companies chosen by China are not new to international security operations. Dewey Security Group, founded by retired PLA officers in 2011, has previously provided security for Chinese projects in countries such as Kenya, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Similarly, China Overseas Security Group has operated in several regions, including Turkey, Thailand, and South Africa. The third company, Huaxin Zhongshan Security Service, specializes in maritime security and is expected to oversee the protection of Gwadar Port, a crucial component of the CPEC initiative.
These companies are considered highly capable, as they possess both military expertise and practical experience in securing Chinese interests worldwide. Their personnel are typically former PLA members, which adds a layer of familiarity with Chinese defence protocols and operational efficiency.
Pakistan’s Response to Security Concerns
Despite these arrangements, Pakistan has faced growing pressure to enhance the security of Chinese nationals, especially in the wake of ongoing attacks. In August, Pakistan responded by increasing its defence budget, allocating an additional Rs 90 billion to secure Chinese citizens and CPEC projects. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police also formed a special unit to provide protection for CPEC-related infrastructure, comprising young recruits trained in martial arts, self-defence, and modern weaponry.
However, these efforts were not enough to address the escalating risks, leading China to take matters into its own hands by contracting private security firms. While Pakistan’s martial arts training and special forces were seen as an initial solution, the increasing frequency and sophistication of attacks have highlighted the need for more robust, specialized security measures.
The Road Ahead
China’s decision to deploy private security companies in Pakistan signals a new phase in the protection of its interests abroad. It reflects growing concerns over the safety of Chinese nationals involved in high-profile infrastructure projects like CPEC, which are integral to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With Chinese companies now directly involved in security operations, the dynamics of China-Pakistan cooperation are likely to evolve further.
As security concerns continue to mount in Pakistan, it remains to be seen whether these private security firms can effectively mitigate the threats posed by insurgent groups. For now, China has taken a proactive approach, signalling its readiness to ensure the safety of its citizens while navigating the sensitive political landscape of the region.