In a bustling port city on Pakistan's southwest coast, increased security measures have been implemented to protect Chinese workers from militant violence targeting Chinese-funded megaprojects. The surge in attacks has put critical infrastructure, energy, and trade projects at risk, threatening Pakistan's economy. Chinese investment in Pakistan, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, has amounted to around $60 billion, with tens of thousands of Chinese workers in the country. Recent attacks, including those targeting a Chinese-built port in Gwadar and an air base, have highlighted the vulnerability of Chinese investments. The security situation has led to a dampened confidence in Beijing's further investment in Pakistan, with no firm pledge for future investments following a recent visit by Pakistan's prime minister to China. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship site for China's Belt and Road Initiative, has faced security threats from various militant groups in Pakistan. These groups harbor grievances against China, with some seeking revenge for Beijing's treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. The resurgence of violence in Pakistan, potentially fueled by the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, has led to increased attacks on Chinese workers and projects. Pakistani authorities have taken steps to bolster security for Chinese nationals, including discussions about additional fencing around the Gwadar port. However, this has raised concerns about the strain on the country's already overstretched law enforcement. The two countries have also been at odds about approaches to dealing with the threat from the Pakistani Taliban. The increased security measures for Chinese workers have faced resistance from Pakistani citizens, with protests in Gwadar against the construction of a trench to separate the Chinese compound from the rest of the city. Residents have expressed concerns about the restrictions on their movement and violation of their rights. Overall, the surge in militant violence targeting Chinese-funded projects in Pakistan has raised significant concerns about the security of Chinese workers and the future of Chinese investment in the country.