Why China Wants to Mediate Between Iran & Pakistan

The Middle East is in a tense situation due to the recent attacks. Consequently, China has extended an offer to mediate and has called on both countries to refrain from further escalation.

Additionally, she stressed the need to respect and protect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries.

China has urged both Iran and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized the importance of handling the ties between the two countries based on international norms and the principles of the UN Charter

Preserving Regional Peace: Imperative for Pakistan & Iran

The region is already facing uncertainty, with challenges ranging from the Afghan and Indian borders with Pakistan, to Iraq, Yemen, Israel, and Saudi Arabia when it comes to Iran - in addition to US sanctions.

Engaging in another conflict with a neighbouring Muslim state is not a wise diplomatic decision and does not serve the national interests of either state.

Speaking with Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan, a foreign policy and political analyst as well as think tanker associated with the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, told Sputnik News that a conflict between Iran and Pakistan could undermine and sabotage major global projects.

"I think, however, Pakistan, China, including Iran, are part of the mega-project known as the One Belt and Road initiative (OBOR). If these attacks are not stopped, they will not only undermine and sabotage these projects, but also have a drastic impact on Pakistan's and Iran's image, projects, and relations within the SCO, ECO, and BRICS countries", the political analyst said.

Last year, Pakistan applied for membership in BRICS and is already a member of global and regional organizations for economic and strategic interests. Therefore, it is crucial for both countries to prioritize peace, stability, and conflict resolution in this context.

"It is essential for regional peace, prosperity, and stability that both nations come together to address their issues. China plays a key role in this context to resolve the issue, given its geopolitical and strategic connections with Iran and Pakistan. The escalation of conflict would not only plunge the two states into turmoil, but also have long-term consequences, leading to destruction that would be difficult to contain. China's strategic and economic ties with both countries make it averse to any conflict in the region. Therefore, negotiation and mediation are in the best interests of all parties involved", the expert told Sputnik News.

Chinese Mediation: Promoting Regional Stability & Peace

In this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Beijing is prepared to mediate in order to reduce the conflict and its implications.

Similarly, Chinese Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong today said “Beijing [would] like to play a constructive role in settling differences between Islamabad and Tehran. We do hope Tehran and Islamabad can sit down and talk to solve their problems, properly”.

In the context of the Gaza conflict, he further said, “Globally, since the outbreak of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Chinese government has consistently urged the international community to play a crucial role in promoting a ceasefire in the region.”

For this purpose, Sputnik News interviewed Dr Tughral Yamin, analyst at the Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad, former dean of the Centre for International Peace and stability, ex-Pakistan Army brigadier, and political analyst.

"China's mediation between Pakistan and Iran's current conflict has great significance, as China is already mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resolve their issues bilaterally for regional peace and stability. As Pakistan considers China its best friend and ally, in current turmoil between Iran and Pakistan, China plays a vital role. It is a good initiative by China offering mediator role", he told Sputnik News.

Additionally, the geopolitical expert said, "Pakistan already has many enemies in the region like Afghanistan and India. So, Pakistan does not want to malign its relations with Iran as neighbour and Muslim country. That is why I think the Chinese stance over this issue is a benefit for all of us".

In his concluding remarks, speaking to Sputnik News, Fahad Khan told in a cautious tone: "If the conflict escalates between the two states, it could also harm regional unity and cohesion. As the world is already dealing with conflicts in Gaza and Yemen, and Pakistan is facing terrorism from Afghan fronts and enmity from India’s corner. This issue could exacerbate regional conflicts and have a spillover effect. Additionally, if the tension is not resolved, it could lead to domestic issues in both countries due to shared ethnic and religious ties".

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