China announced on Monday that it is actively engaged in maintaining close ties with Pakistan and Iran to facilitate dialogue and "bridge their differences" following the recent exchange of airstrikes between the two nations.
This statement from China's foreign ministry coincides with the reported visit of Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong to Pakistan on a mediation mission.
Last Thursday, China had offered to play a "constructive role" in easing tensions between Islamabad and Tehran, following Pakistan's "precision military strikes" against alleged "terrorist hideouts" in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province.
The strikes resulted in nine casualties and were considered a response to Iranian missile and drone attacks that targeted two bases of the Sunni Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
China's involvement is notable as it is caught between its all-weather ally, Pakistan, and the warming ties with Iran, which have enabled China to expand its influence in the West Asia region. Additionally, China imports a significant amount of oil from Iran.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, responding to a query from a Pakistani journalist, stated that China maintains close communication with both Iran and Pakistan. Emphasizing the friendly relations between the two neighboring nations, Wang mentioned that China is dedicated to upholding regional and international peace and stability. He reiterated China's support for Iran and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation.
Wang also mentioned that China would like to play a positive and constructive role in enhancing relations between Iran and Pakistan, aligning with the needs and interests of both countries.
In the midst of escalating tensions and military actions between Pakistan and Iran, China's diplomatic efforts underscore its commitment to fostering regional stability and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts in the West Asia region.
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