Thread by @_AhmedQuraishi

#Pakistan foreign minister visits Chinese citizens injured in bus blast, with #China Amb, at military hospital. This #thread includes observations on China's keenness to get involved militarily in combating terrorism, its policy shortcomings, & FM+Amb statement. /1

After the blast, #China is emitting signals that it is exerting pressure for more antiterror action in #Pakistan, including possibly joint missions with Pakistani forces. /2

One example is how quickly #China recast the bus incident as a terrorist attack after #Pakistan initially downplayed the incident. And quickly floated Chinese security assistance "if #Islamabad has any need to combat terrorism." /3

There could be a subtle shift in #China's position on attacks on its interests in #Pakistan after July 14 attack. In the past, Beijing avoided escalation when reports suggested ties to groups with suspected links to #Afghanistan #Iran #India. See this: en.dailypakistan.com.pk/09-Jul-2019/is… /4

This time, #China is going for high visibility in reaction to the July 14 attack, sending investigators, suggesting boots on the ground, arranging hospital visit for #Pakistan FM. But it is unclear if Beijing is ready to discuss Pakistani concerns about 🇮🇳 & hideouts in 🇦🇫 & 🇮🇷/5

With the robust reaction, #China reportedly rescinded the decision to fire #Pakistan project workers & resumed work on the dam. @AmbNong delivered short remarks during the visit to the military hospital, confirming Beijing & Islamabad "continue to cooperate closely... again."