BEIJING: China on Wednesday voiced support for all efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran, praising Pakistan for its impartial and balanced role in helping facilitate a ceasefire.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing, after reports suggested that Iran-US peace talks could take place in Pakistan within the next two days.
He emphasised that the immediate priority is to avoid a return to hostilities, protect the ceasefire, and remain committed to resolving differences through political and diplomatic channels.
Guo added that China had also unveiled a four-point proposal on Tuesday to advance peace and stability in the Middle East, highlighting peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law, and a balanced approach to development and security.
“The proposal represents China’s consistent stance and efforts to promote peace, bring an end to the conflict, and advocate dialogue for resolving differences,” said Guo.
“China stands ready to work with the international community to continue to contribute to the early restoration of peace and stability to the Gulf and Middle East region,” he added.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a significant diplomatic breakthrough regarding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, declaring that the waterway will be permanently opened as part of a broader strategic agreement with China.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as the passageway for approximately one-fifth of global maritime oil trade, making it vital to international energy security. Tensions over the strait have periodically escalated over the past two decades, with Iran occasionally threatening to close or restrict shipping through the strategic waterway during periods of regional conflict.
Iran on Wednesday also confirmed that communication with the United States, facilitated through Pakistan, has continued following the recent talks held in Islamabad over the weekend.
“Since Sunday, when the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran, several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan,” foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a weekly press briefing.
“Today, we are very likely to receive a Pakistani delegation as a continuation of the discussions in Islamabad,” he added.
During the first round of talks in Islamabad, the US negotiation team was led by US Vice President JD Vance, and the Iranian delegation was led by Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.
