China Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Despite Not Disclosing Its Role
Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has welcomed the ceasefire and negotiation plans between the United States and Iran, although it did not directly state what role China played in achieving this peaceful step.
“China welcomes the announcement of the ceasefire agreement by the relevant parties. We support mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan,” said spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mao Ning during a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all conflict zones, including Lebanon. This was conveyed via the social media platform X on Wednesday (8/4).
The statement came after US President Donald Trump said he agreed to suspend bombing and attacks against Iran for a two-week period.
However, in an interview with US media, Trump stated that he believes China persuaded Iran to negotiate. Additionally, media reports indicated that Iran accepted the Pakistan-mediated ceasefire following China’s last-minute intervention, urging Iran “to show flexibility and de-escalate tensions” amid concerns over economic impacts.
“We have consistently called on the relevant parties to end hostilities as soon as possible and resolve disputes through political and diplomatic channels to achieve lasting peace and security in the Gulf and Middle East regions. China has made active efforts for this purpose,” added Mao Ning without specifying the form of those active efforts.
Since the conflict began, Mao Ning noted, China has actively worked to help end it.
“Foreign Minister Wang Yi made 26 phone calls to counterparts from relevant countries. The Chinese government’s Special Envoy for the Middle East travelled to the Gulf and Middle East regions in mediation efforts,” revealed Mao Ning.
Mao Ning said that China and Pakistan jointly proposed a five-point initiative to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East regions.
“As a responsible major country, China will continue to play a constructive role and make positive contributions to restoring peace and tranquillity in the Gulf and Middle East,” added Mao Ning.
China, Mao Ning clarified, will maintain communication with all parties and continue efforts to de-escalate tensions and end the conflict.
If all goes smoothly, delegations from the US and Iran will arrive in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Friday (10/4) to continue negotiations aimed at reaching a conclusive agreement to resolve all disputes.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) also announced that the country will allocate two weeks for these talks, which can be extended by mutual agreement.
The SNSC stated that the US has “in principle” accepted a proposal containing 10 points aimed at ending the war.
Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), quoting related statements and reports, said the proposal includes guarantees of no aggression against Iran, continuation of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of Tehran’s right to uranium enrichment, and the lifting of all major and secondary US sanctions.
Additionally, it includes the cessation of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors resolutions against Iran, payment of compensation, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, and cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
The ceasefire will be announced this week, and negotiations do not mean the war with the United States is over, according to the SNSC; if America makes “even the slightest mistake” during the talks, Iran will respond with full force.
Meanwhile, Trump stated on the Truth Social platform: “Based on talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Marshal Asim Munir, where they asked me to hold back from sending destroyer forces to Iran on the condition that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to fully, immediately, and safely open the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks. This will be a two-way ceasefire.”
Furthermore, Trump said that the reason his side agreed to the ceasefire with Iran is because America has achieved and exceeded all military objectives in the war against Iran.
“We have also reached a very advanced stage regarding a definitive agreement for long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East,” said the US president.