Beijing steps into diplomacy as the Iran war impacts global energy supplies, with China leveraging its economic ties to promote stability.
China and Pakistan have presented a five-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Iran conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as stated in their joint announcement. This initiative comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have disrupted energy supplies and driven up oil prices.
Officials in Beijing and Islamabad agreed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable options for resolving the conflict, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Pakistan's foreign minister recently visited Beijing to seek support, leading to this collaborative effort.
China's Role in Mediation
China, the world's largest importer of crude oil, is stepping in as a peacemaker due to its heavy reliance on stable global trade. The plan highlights Beijing's interest in protecting key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard its economic interests.
Experts such as Zhu Yongbiao from Lanzhou University note that China's support for Pakistan in this mediation is comprehensive, encompassing moral, political, and diplomatic backing. This involvement marks a shift from Beijing's previously muted response to the conflict.
China has prior experience in Middle East diplomacy, having brokered a deal in 2023 between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties. That agreement reduced regional tensions, aligning with China's goal of maintaining stability for its export-dependent economy.
Beijing also hosted talks in 2023 among 14 Palestinian factions, resulting in a declaration for a national unity government. These efforts underscore China's growing influence in the region through economic interdependence rather than military involvement.
However, China's mediation has limits, as it lacks significant military presence in the area. Its base in Djibouti serves logistics purposes, and Beijing prioritizes economic development over direct conflict participation, according to sources cited in the report.
