On Monday, China revealed its ongoing efforts to foster communication between Pakistan and Iran, aiming to resolve the recent tensions stemming from mutual airstrikes between the two nations last week.
The announcement from the foreign ministry coincided with reports of Foreign Minister Sun Weidong's visit to Pakistan, indicating a diplomatic mediation mission.
China, on Thursday last week, expressed its willingness to play a "constructive role" in easing the heightened tensions between Islamabad and Tehran. This offer followed Pakistan's "precision military strikes" in Iran's Siestan-Balochistan province, targeting alleged terrorist hideouts and resulting in nine casualties. The Pakistani action was perceived as retaliation for Iranian missile and drone attacks on two bases of the Sunni Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl in Balochistan province earlier that week.
The situation has presented a diplomatic challenge for China, considering its strong ties with Pakistan as an all-weather ally, juxtaposed against warming relations with Iran, thereby expanding Chinese influence in the West Asia region. Additionally, China is a significant importer of oil from Iran.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, during a Monday media briefing, highlighted the nation's close communication with both Iran and Pakistan. Responding to inquiries about the recent phone call between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, as well as Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong's ongoing visit to Pakistan, Wang emphasized the friendship between China and its two neighboring nations.
"Iran and Pakistan are friendly neighbors, and both are good friends of China," Wang stated. He reiterated China's commitment to regional and international peace and stability, expressing support for Iran and Pakistan in addressing their differences through dialogue and consultation.
Wang concluded by stating China's desire to play a positive and constructive role in enhancing relations between Iran and Pakistan, aligning with the needs and aspirations of both countries.
(With Agency Inputs)
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