BEIJING/ISLAMABAD - In a strong diplomatic rebuke to coordinated efforts aimed at undermining Pakistan's growing role in regional peace, China has thrown its full weight behind Islamabad's mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, while implicitly rejecting recent allegations circulated by Israeli and Indian propaganda networks.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a telephone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on May 12, 2026, reiterated Beijing's "appreciation and support" for Pakistan's "constructive mediatory role" in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Wang Yi specifically called on Pakistan to intensify its mediation efforts and play a more active role in resolving issues related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy artery currently disrupted by the US-Iran war.
Wang stressed that China appreciates Pakistan's role in helping to broker and extend the temporary ceasefire. He expressed hope that Islamabad will "maintain confidence and intensify mediation" to contribute to restoring regional peace as soon as possible.
"China will continue to support Pakistan's mediation efforts and make its own contribution toward this end," Wang told Dar.
During the call, both leaders underscored the importance of continuing a "durable ceasefire" between the US and Iran and ensuring "uninterrupted and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz," given its critical importance for global energy and trade flows.
Dar briefed Wang on Pakistan's recent diplomatic engagements, including the first round of Islamabad Talks held on April 11-12 and the subsequent exchange of proposals between Tehran and Washington. While a final agreement remains elusive, Pakistan continues to work on bridging differences to resume a second round of direct negotiations.
The statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office noted, "The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan's ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States, aimed at promoting sustained peace and stability in the region and beyond".
The conversation also focused on the upcoming 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Wang Yi emphasized that both sides should jointly hold commemorative activities, maintain close high-level exchanges, and strengthen strategic communication.
Wang stressed the need to "consolidate their ironclad friendship, advance practical cooperation," and better safeguard each other's core interests. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the "Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership".
The two foreign ministers also agreed to enhance coordination on multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, to "voice the just position of China and Pakistan" and jointly uphold multilateralism in a world facing increasing changes and turbulence.
The high-level endorsement from Beijing comes just days after a coordinated disinformation campaign surfaced in Western media - including a CBS News story and statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Senator Lindsey Graham - attempting to question Pakistan's role as a neutral mediator and cast doubt on its hosting of diplomatic delegations at Nur Khan Airbase.
Wang Yi's explicit endorsement of Pakistan's "constructive" role and his call for Pakistan to do "more" effectively dismisses these malicious allegations. China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has sent a clear signal: it views Pakistan's mediation as a pillar of regional stability and rejects the attempts by certain actors to sabotage the peace process.
This development follows Austria's recent appreciation for Pakistan's diplomatic role, demonstrating growing international recognition of Islamabad's unique position as a trusted intermediary between Tehran and Washington.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: "China will continue to support Pakistan's mediation efforts... facing a world intertwined with changes and turbulence, the two sides should voice the just position of China and Pakistan on multilateral platforms such as the UN".
Pakistan's Foreign Office: "The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan's ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States".
