China has expressed support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying continued negotiations remain essential for restoring regional stability.
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday, Wang said China welcomed mediation initiatives by Pakistan and other countries as efforts continue to prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran.
China calls for continued US-Iran negotiations
“Regarding the current situation, the key is the negotiation between the United States and Iran because they are the major parties concerned,” Wang said.
He added that China supports “active mediation” by Pakistan and other nations aimed at easing tensions and encouraging dialogue between the two sides.
Wang’s remarks came during China’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of May. China hosted a Security Council debate on “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centred international system.”
The Chinese foreign minister also met Antonio Guterres during his visit to the UN headquarters.
Wang Yi meets Pakistan Army chief
Wang revealed that he had recently met Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir before travelling to New York.
According to Wang, Munir briefed him about his recent visit to Iran and ongoing diplomatic engagement related to the conflict involving Iran and the United States.
Munir had concluded a short visit to Iran on Saturday, where he held meetings with senior Iranian leaders. He later travelled to Beijing to join Shehbaz Sharif for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during Sharif’s four-day official visit to China.
China urges ceasefire and diplomatic solution
Commenting on the broader conflict, Wang said longstanding geopolitical disputes cannot be resolved quickly and stressed the need for patience and sustained diplomatic engagement.
“Every step forward in the negotiation brings more hope for peace,” he said.
China expressed hope that all parties involved would remain committed to a ceasefire and continue working toward a negotiated settlement.
Wang also indicated that any future agreement between the United States and Iran should ideally receive endorsement from the UN Security Council to strengthen its legitimacy and international authority.
US senator questions Pakistan’s role
Wang’s comments came amid criticism from US Senator Lindsey Graham, who questioned Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the conflict.
In a post on X, Graham said Pakistan acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran was “more than problematic,” citing Islamabad’s historical position on Israel and concerns regarding Iran’s military presence.
Graham referred to reports claiming Iranian military aircraft had been stationed at Pakistani air bases to avoid possible US airstrikes. Pakistan has rejected those reports and described them as misleading.
The senator also pointed to comments made earlier by Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif regarding the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalising relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role under scrutiny
The latest developments have placed Pakistan’s diplomatic positioning under renewed international scrutiny as tensions continue in West Asia.
While Pakistan has projected itself as a country seeking dialogue and de-escalation, critics in the United States have raised concerns over its ties with Iran and its stance on Israel-related issues.
At the same time, China’s public backing of Pakistan’s mediation efforts signals Beijing’s growing diplomatic involvement in regional security issues involving Iran, the United States and the broader Middle East.
Global attention remains focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts as world powers attempt to prevent further military escalation in the region.
(With inputs from PTI)
China backs Pakistan’s mediation efforts between US and Iran
