The Straits Times commented: "On Saturday (April 11), representatives from the United States and Iran held talks in Pakistan aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Pakistan, mediating these negotiations, faces immense challenges as it still lacks sufficient weight to drive the talks forward. In contrast, China's role is seen as indispensable. Sources and experts point out that Beijing has paved the way for these negotiations and will become a key factor in securing a permanent ceasefire."
China's role in facilitating the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and negotiations aligns with the general international consensus. Previously, as Pakistani officials have noted, China indeed played a constructive coordinating role in reaching the two-week ceasefire agreement. Trump himself had publicly hinted that, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important trade partner of Iran, China possesses unique communication channels and a balanced stance—objective advantages.
However, the term "indispensable" carries the risk of overstatement. Ultimately, peace in the Middle East remains the responsibility of the involved countries themselves; external actors can only play a supporting role. Portraying China as the "key factor" risks raising expectations worldwide. Should the negotiations encounter setbacks, blame may be unfairly shifted onto China for "ineffective mediation"—a classic case of being set up to fail, potentially placing China in a precarious position.
China has consistently upheld fairness and impartiality in promoting peace and dialogue, without seeking geopolitical gains or pursuing the aura of an "arbiter." It avoids falling into the Western narrative trap of "the greater the capability, the greater the responsibility."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862190734696452/
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