China has said that attempts to ‘sabotage’ China-Pakistan cooperation will never succeed and that Beijing will continue to support Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.

The statement came a day after a suicide bombing killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver in the Besham area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Chinese nationals were working on the Dasu dam project.

Shortly after the attack, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan demanded a thorough investigation and punishment for the people behind the attack. China also sought the protection of its nationals in Pakistan and urged Islamabad to make sure similar incidents are not repeated.

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian struck a different note at the regular Press Conference on Wednesday, emphasizing continued cooperation.

“China firmly supports Pakistan in fighting terrorism. We are solid in our commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, institutions and projects overseas. China and Pakistan have the resolve and capability to make the terrorists pay the price. Our two countries are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship is deeply rooted in the two peoples,” Lin Jian said.

He added, “No attempt to sabotage China-Pakistan cooperation will ever succeed. China will continue supporting Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and efforts to make lives better for its people, and we remain firm in our commitment to working with Pakistan in various fields and delivering more benefit to the two peoples.”

Noting that some other countries have also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for the Chinese victims, Lin said China is grateful for that.

Pakistan on Wednesday held a high-level security meeting attended by the prime minister and the chief of army staff.

Islamabad vowed to protect Chinese nationals working in the country and announced that a joint investigation team would probe the attack.