ISLAMABAD: China has asked Pakistan to boost security for its newly-appointed ambassador in Islamabad after he received threats to his life from a terrorist organisation. In a letter written to the interior ministry, the Chinese Embassy said a member of banned terrorist group East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) has sneaked into Pak to assassinate its ambassador.
Circulated in the local media, the letter was written by the focal person for the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Ping Ying Fi, who asked the ministry to “enhance the protection” of the ambassador and other Chinese working in the country. The letter said that this will not only foil the nefarious designs of the terrorist but will also help in nabbing others involved in the plot. Yao Jing, who was the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, replaced Sun Weidong as the country's ambassador to Pakistan.
When asked about the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, “I am not aware of the information mentioned by you. The ETIM is a UN Security Council listed terrorist organisation. Combating ETIM is an important part of the international counter terrorism effort.” When asked whether the Chinese government expressed concern to Pakistan about the safety of the diplomatic personnel, Geng said the safety of the diplomatic personnel and missions is an obligation of the sovereign countries according to the Vienna Convention.
