The Donald Trump administration’s move to recognise the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) may have its reasons rooted in a desire to mine rare earth deposits in Pakistan.Since the improvement in relations during Trump’s second term, Pakistan and the United States have engaged in discussions regarding the extraction of rare earth elements. This aspect has been a significant factor in the enhancement of bilateral relations over the previous six months, according to an ET report.
Trump’s desire for rare earths
It seems Pakistan has successfully persuaded the Trump administration that controlling BLA is crucial for accessing “critical minerals” in the region. The move comes at a time when Trump has not been able to gain an upper hand in the US-China trade deal talks, mainly due to what experts see as America’s dependency on rare earth elements from China.Also Read | No upper hand for US? Why Donald Trump has extended tariff truce with China for another 90 days – explainedDiplomatic observers note that whilst some critics suggest possible US military deployment in Balochistan similar to Afghanistan, such action could prove problematic. Local inhabitants, with their superior knowledge of the terrain, could pose challenges to American forces, potentially creating a situation reminiscent of Afghanistan.
How will China react?
The residents of Balochistan have consistently opposed Chinese-funded initiatives and personnel, believing that China has utilised their resources without providing local benefits whilst compromising their autonomy.Whilst China is likely to support actions against BLA, its response to the Trump administration’s economic and security involvement in Balochistan remains uncertain, particularly considering the China Pakistan Economic Corridor‘s route through the region. The strategic Gwadar port is situated in Balochistan.According to the ET report, analysts are monitoring whether Pakistan, currently serving as a non-permanent UNSC member, will approach the council following the US decision regarding BLA. This could present an unusual scenario where both China and the USA back Pakistan’s position. However, BLA’s designation under the 1267 sanctions committee is not possible due to its lack of connections with Al Qaeda or its affiliates.The US classification of BLA corresponds with Munir’s Washington visit and follows a recently established US-Pakistan trade arrangement.Also Read | ‘Can’t cross some red lines’: Government officials tell Parliamentary Panel on India-US trade talks; focus on export diversification amidst Trump tariffs