SHANGHAI: Pakistan and China have called on the United States and Iran to immediately halt hostilities and return to negotiations, warning that continued fighting could further destabilise the region.
The call was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on Friday.
In a joint statement, the two ministers expressed concern over the worsening situation and urged all sides involved in the conflict to end military action and restart diplomatic efforts.
“China and Pakistan expressed concern over the deterioration of the current situation, calling on the involved parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to dialogue,” China’s Foreign Ministry said.
Islamabad and Beijing have both sought to encourage diplomatic efforts to resolve the months-long conflict between Washington and Tehran, which intensified again following renewed clashes linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Wang Yi said a preliminary agreement reached between the United States and Iran had been achieved through difficult negotiations and should not be allowed to collapse.
“Peace is before our eyes. We cannot fall at the last hurdle and, even more so, cannot lose what we have gained,” Wang said.
The latest diplomatic call comes as the United States and Iran have resumed exchanging strikes, further raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
Pakistan and China have repeatedly called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution, warning that continued conflict could have serious consequences for regional security, trade and energy supplies.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, accompanied by a delegation, for a two-day official visit from July 16 to 17.
Pakistan, China Pledge Stronger Cooperation in AI, Trade
Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
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Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Meets Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai (16 July 2026)
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 17, 2026
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the wide-ranging Pakistan-China bilateral relationship and expressed satisfaction over the continued strength and steady progress of their partnership.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and agreed to advance high-quality development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0.
The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
They exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their resolve to maintain close coordination and consultations on matters of mutual interest, including cooperation at international forums.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Pakistan and China to innovation-led growth, emerging technologies, and deeper strategic cooperation.
