Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit China from May 23 to 26 for high-level discussions, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Officials did not confirm whether the conflict involving Iran would be part of the agenda.
Both Pakistan and China have recently pushed for diplomatic efforts in the Middle East following US and Israeli military strikes. Although a ceasefire reached on April 8 temporarily eased tensions, US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that opportunities for diplomacy were narrowing.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said leaders from both countries would hold detailed talks on bilateral relations and regional matters of shared interest.
Guo also stated that Beijing would cooperate with Pakistan to support the return of peace and stability in the Middle East, adding that China backs Pakistan’s “fair and balanced” mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Pakistan
Pakistan has increasingly taken on a mediating role between the United States and Iran, including hosting discussions last month. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, was expected in Tehran on Thursday, according to Iranian media reports.
China has maintained a lower-profile diplomatic role, facilitating phone calls and meetings with officials from Gulf states affected by the crisis.
Following recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that Xi had offered China’s assistance in reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route disrupted since the conflict began.
Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to intensify mediation efforts in the Middle East during a phone conversation.
In recent weeks, Beijing has also hosted visits by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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