Top Xi Jinping! It Turns Out There's China 'Behind' the US-Iran Ceasefire
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran began today, Friday (10/4/2026). Envoys from Iran and the US are preparing to hold talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, to end the Middle East war.
However, official sources and experts say China helped pave the way for the negotiations. This will be a key component in securing a permanent ceasefire.
It should be noted that Pakistan has received praise on the global stage for its latest efforts to achieve a temporary ceasefire between the warring parties. However, Pakistani officials say Beijing’s “quieter” role has proven equally important.
It is said how that Tuesday’s ceasefire agreement nearly fell apart. But China’s presence made the deal happen in the final minutes that seemed set to fail on Tuesday night.
“On the night of the ceasefire, hopes began to fade, but China stepped in and convinced Iran to agree to the temporary ceasefire,” said a senior Pakistani official source familiar with the negotiations, quoted by AFP on Friday (10/4/2026).
“While our efforts were crucial, we failed to achieve a breakthrough, which was ultimately reached after Beijing persuaded Iran,” said the source, who requested anonymity to speak openly about the sensitive diplomatic issue.
This echoes a statement from President Donald Trump, who shortly after announcing the two-week ceasefire on social media, told AFP that China was key to bringing Iran to the negotiating table.
The planned ceasefire talks have raised hopes of ending the war that has claimed thousands of lives and shaken the global economy. The war itself broke out after Israel and the US launched attacks on 28 February, and Iran responded with strikes in the Gulf and Israeli cities.
China as Guarantor
Meanwhile, Pakistan itself - which has cultural and religious ties with Iran and its leaders - will form an expert team. This is to facilitate both sides.
“Pakistan has formed an expert team to facilitate both sides in negotiations regarding navigation, nuclear issues, and other related matters,” said a second diplomatic source familiar with the issue.
However, it is said that China will be the guarantor. This was requested directly by Iran.
“China was asked to be the guarantor. Iran wants a guarantor,” said the source.
Actually, Russia’s name also came up. But the war with Ukraine would not be accepted by the West, especially the European Union.
“Which means China is in the best position,” he added.
“Iron Brothers”
Like Pakistan, China has close relations with Tehran. It has even been Iran’s largest trading partner for years under US-led sanctions.
China has also invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects in Pakistan as part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two governments call themselves “iron brothers.”
“As partners and close neighbours, Pakistan and China have coordinated closely since day one to end the hostilities,” said former Pakistani senator and head of the upper house’s defence and foreign affairs committee, Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
“China’s role will remain very necessary in achieving a final peace agreement as the main guarantor, given the fact that Iran does not trust the Trump-Netanyahu duo,” he added, referring to Israel’s Prime Minister.
Still referring to the same page, actually Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has made 26 phone calls with counterparts from relevant countries, while Beijing’s Middle East envoy has “shuttled back and forth” to the war-torn region, said the foreign ministry spokesperson.
Analysts and officials say the prospects of China openly taking on a formal guarantor role in the coming weeks are also uncertain.
“They have their own considerations; they don’t want to get dragged into this conflict openly,” said the second source to AFP, as a signal to Beijing’s strong behind-the-scenes role.
The negotiations face heavy challenges in resolving vast differences.