China praises Pakistan’s Middle East peace efforts as both sides pledge close coordination

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Shehbaz Sharif told his hosts in Beijing that efforts to mediate between Iran and the US were ‘moving in the right direction’

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Cao Jiaxuanin BeijingandVictoria Belain Hong KongPublished: 7:29pm, 25 May 2026Updated: 7:34pm, 25 May 2026Chinese President Xi Jinping has thanked visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the country’s “proactive role” in mediating between Iran and the United States.

Monday’s meeting came as the two countries marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, with both sides pledging to maintain close communication and coordination to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

The pair, along with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, met on Monday at the Great Hall of the People following a meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

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During the meeting, Xi said: “China appreciates Pakistan’s proactive role in mediating peace in the Middle East,” adding that the two sides should promote an “equitable and orderly multipolar world”.

Sharif thanked China for its support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, adding that Xi’s four-point Middle East plan provided a “guiding framework” for peace, according to Xinhua.

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The Chinese leader’s plan, unveiled last month, stressed the importance of the principles of peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty and the international rule of law, as well as a commitment to coordinating development and security.

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