By Gaurav Sharma

Beijing, Oct 23 (IANS): China said on Monday that a sovereign country is treaty bound to protect foreign diplomats, a day after reports emerged that Beijing fears a terror attack on its newly appointed envoy to Pakistan.

According to media reports in Pakistan, the Chinese Embassy has requested the Pakistani government to increase security for its ambassador.

The Chinese diplomatic mission reportedly has cited a possible attack from the banned outfit East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

"I think it is the obligation of a sovereign country to protect diplomatic missions and personnel according to the Vienna Convention," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Geng, however, said he was not aware of any Chinese request to Pakistan.

"ETIM is a terrorist organisation listed by the UN Security Council. Combating ETIM is an important part of the international counterterrorism effort."

In June, two Chinese nationals were abducted and killed in Pakistan's Quetta province.

Pakistan had said they were linked with a missionary group in South Korea and were preaching Christianity.

The key component of China's ambitious Belt and Road goes through Pakistan's restive Balochistan where many oppose the project.