Chinese shipping executive in Pakistan killed in targeted attack

A senior Chinese shipping company executive was shot dead in Karachi, Pakistan on Monday in what police are describing as a targeted attack.

45-year-old Chen Zhu, Pakistan general manager of Cosco Shipping Lines, was killed when at least 10 shots were fired at his car with one hitting him in the head.

While it’s not clear who carried out the attack and for what reason, Karachi police understandably believe that it was not a random mugging, but a targeted attack on Chen.

Last June, two Chinese nationals who were working as missionaries near the Afghan border were abducted and killed, allegedly by the Islamic State, causing concerns about China’s massive $57 billion infrastructure initiative in Pakistan under the Belt and Road plan.

Pakistan responded to the incident by deploying a 15,000-strong military force to protect Chinese working on energy and infrastructure projects in the country.

The following month, China stepped up to the plate to defend Pakistan against criticism from US President Donald Trump, who accused the country of not doing enough to counter terrorism.

However, in December, China warned its nationals in Pakistan of plans for imminent attacks by terrorists against Chinese in the country.

[Images via Global Times]

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