Beijing: China has reiterated its commitment to promoting peace in the Middle East, highlighting its diplomatic role in recent developments involving the United States and Iran.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing remains actively engaged in efforts to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties. Her remarks followed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who credited China with helping bring Iran to the negotiating table.
Mao emphasised that China has been consistently working to promote a ceasefire and peaceful resolution in the region. She added that Beijing will continue to play a “constructive role” in restoring stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East.
The diplomatic push comes after the United States announced a 14-day suspension of military strikes against Iran, in exchange for Tehran reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The move is seen as a temporary breakthrough following weeks of escalating hostilities.
Reports indicate that China’s intervention played a key role in persuading Iranian leadership to adopt a more flexible stance, amid concerns over the global economic fallout of the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s petroleum supply passes, had witnessed a sharp decline in traffic, triggering volatility in global energy markets.
The conflict had intensified after a large-scale military campaign launched by the United States and Israel earlier this year, aimed at curbing Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes and imposed a blockade on the crucial maritime route.
China’s involvement reflects its strategic balancing act in the region, as a key economic partner of Iran and a major stakeholder in Gulf stability. Analysts say Beijing’s growing diplomatic footprint could influence the trajectory of future negotiations.
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to visit Beijing in mid-May for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signalling further high-level engagement amid ongoing efforts to sustain the fragile ceasefire.
