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Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, Islamabad’s key negotiator between the U.S. and Iran, is in Beijing with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for talks with Chinese leaders, Pakistan television showed Monday.
Munir’s visit to China follows his trip to Tehran on Friday and Saturday with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of ongoing mediation efforts to formally end the Iran war.
China has said it would work with Pakistan to “make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Sharif began a four-day official visit to China in Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, on Saturday.
Speaking to Chinese leaders in Beijing alongside Munir, Sharif said “the world is passing through a critical moment,” according to images carried by Pakistan’s state channel PTV.
“Pakistan has played a sincere role in mediating between the U.S. and Iran. Field Marshal was in Tehran and did not want to miss this great visit,” Sharif said.
“Things are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China’s support to promote peace,” he added.
Pakistan has emerged as a central mediator between the U.S. and Iran, hosting historic face-to-face talks last month that failed to produce a lasting agreement.
Pakistan also hosted, in April, the only direct negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials since the war began.
Munir was at the center of that round of talks, greeting both delegations on arrival and displaying cordiality with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
The talks ultimately failed, with Iran accusing the U.S. of making “excessive demands.”
China has played a quieter role in the diplomatic efforts, helping arrange phone calls and meetings with officials from affected Gulf countries.
Munir’s presence in Beijing alongside Sharif comes as Pakistan and China continue contacts on efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
Sharif’s visit to China also comes after Munir’s meetings in Tehran with Iranian officials as Islamabad continues its mediation track between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan’s state television showed Munir in Beijing with Sharif as talks with Chinese leaders continued.
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