Newsletters
China and Pakistan pledged Tuesday to make “positive contributions” to peace and stability in the Middle East as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a lasting end to the war between the U.S. and Iran.
The pledge came in a joint statement issued after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day visit to China, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other officials.
Beijing praised Islamabad’s efforts to promote multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution and regional cooperation during its July 2025 U.N. Security Council presidency.
China appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran and hosting the Islamabad talks, the joint statement said.
The Pakistani side expressed support for Xi’s four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Both sides also reiterated early implementation of the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region.
They said they were ready to jointly make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
Regional tensions escalated on Feb. 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
Tehran retaliated with drone and missile barrages that hit targets across the region and closed the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports through the strategic waterway.
Last week, Trump said the deal had been “largely negotiated” and was awaiting finalization.
According to the statement, Pakistan said it firmly supports all efforts by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes any form of “Taiwan independence.”
Pakistan and China also agreed to maintain close coordination on developments in Afghanistan and strengthen cooperation on regional security issues.
The Pakistani side welcomed the successful informal talks among China, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi last month.
Islamabad also appreciated China’s role in providing a dialogue platform to facilitate communication between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and continue coordination on Afghanistan-related matters.
They also stressed that no individual, group or organization should be allowed to use any territory to undermine security or threaten the interests of regional countries.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
