BEIJING, Feb 22 (INP): China on Thursday said it appreciates the measures taken by the government of Pakistan for the safety of it citizens. A spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Office Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing that the Pakistani side has taken a series of important measures for effectively protecting the corridor projects and the safety of Chinese citizens. “China appreciates this”, he remarked. “We hope and believe that Pakistan will continue to step up its work to ensure the safety of the economic corridor between China and Pakistan,” he added. The security of the construction of the China Minsheng Banking Cooperation (CMBC) has also been consulted by both the Chinese and Pakistani governments. Asked whether China has been engaged in a dialogue with the separatist forces in Baluchistan, the spokesperson said, he had never heard of the such situation. Meanwhile, Cheng Xizhong, adviser to the Overseas Security Service Specialized Committee of the Beijing Security Association said Pakistan and China needed to give extra care to the safety of the Chinese citizens in wake of inimical forces repeating attempts to hamper the growing cooperative partnership between the two countries. In practical terms, it's important that the host government and cooperative partners should take primary responsibility for the safety of Chinese-funded enterprises, institutions and their personnel, said According to Cheng, State-owned enterprises and private enterprises were already paying increasing attention to the safety of institutions and personnel of overseas Chinese-funded enterprises. They have constantly studied and perfected their safety precautions. Some overseas construction projects of Chinese-funded enterprises are backed by government aid and some are commercial ventures. However, regardless of this difference, they are helping the social and economic development of the country where they are located. Thus, local military and security departments are entirely responsible for the security of Chinese-funded enterprises and institutions. This point must be clearly made when signing government agreements or commercial contracts. In the meantime, Chinese-funded enterprises and institutions should maintain close communication with the military and security authorities in the country of residence throughout the construction process. They should keep in close contact with administrative, military and police intelligence units, mass organizations and local overseas Chinese. They should donate funds to local schools, hospitals and communities when conditions permit and hold some recreational activities to create a safe and harmonious working and living environment. Early in February, a shooting incident took place in Karachi, Pakistan. Chen Zhu, an employee of an affiliate of China's COSCO Shipping Lines in Pakistan was killed. In recent years, overseas Chinese-funded institutions and personnel have been frequently victimized by terrorist attacks, armed hijackings and criminal activities. Some of these incidents have resulted in deaths. This is an alarming situation and the all stake-holders needed to adopt more comprehensive strategy to foil the enemies’ attempts that meant to create hindrance in the socio-economic development. INP/OBD/AJ