Key Takeaways
- China and Pakistan called on the United States and Iran to end hostilities and return to negotiations.
- The call came after a meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Shanghai.
- Both countries are concerned about the ongoing conflict, which has affected regional peace.
China and Pakistan have jointly called for an end to hostilities and resumed dialogue between the United States and Iran. This call was made following a meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Shanghai.
In a statement issued by Beijing, both parties expressed concern over the deterioration of the current situation, urging all involved parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to dialogue. The renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz has cast doubt on the future of the recently signed agreement aimed at reopening the strait and ending the conflict.
The meeting between Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar also reviewed the broad canvas of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction over the continued strength and steady growth of their partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0.
During the discussions, both parties underscored the importance of advancing practical cooperation in various sectors including trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their resolve to maintain close coordination and continue consultations on issues of mutual interest.
Pakistan, one of two countries mediating between the US and Iran, has expressed its concern at the resumption of hostilities and called for restraint from all parties involved. The renewed fighting since July 8 has cast doubt on the future of the Islamabad MoU agreement signed on June 18 that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war after a further 60 days of negotiations.
In March, both Pakistan and China had also issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict. This was released following a meeting between Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi in Beijing.
