Beijing is the key driver behind the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, but China's Foreign Ministry neither confirms nor denies it!
Yesterday, the U.S. and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Talks are scheduled to begin on the 10th in Pakistan. The White House confirmed that high-level U.S.-China dialogue has taken place on Iran-related issues, and Trump stated that China played a role in facilitating the ceasefire. Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif thanked China and other countries for their support. The Guardian reported that China urged Iran to cease hostilities and provided security guarantees. Iran’s ambassador to China explicitly expressed hope that China, Russia, and others would serve as security guarantors. China’s Foreign Ministry neither confirmed nor denied this, only stating that it is actively promoting peace; Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls, and China-Pakistan jointly proposed a five-point peace initiative. Analysts suggest that due to energy and investment interests, China has maintained a low profile in mediation—protecting its own interests while demonstrating great-power responsibility.
[Smart] Hot Comments: This sudden ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran leaves no doubt—despite China’s “neither confirm nor deny” stance, everyone can see clearly: Beijing is undoubtedly the behind-the-scenes orchestrator. Compared to its highly visible mediation in the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement, China’s choice to remain “invisible” this time reveals even greater diplomatic sophistication. On one hand, China is Iran’s largest crude oil buyer, accounting for about 13% of its imports; if the Strait of Hormuz were blocked, every $10 increase in oil prices would cost China an extra $28 billion annually—so pushing for a ceasefire is essentially protecting its economy. On the other hand, Iran distrusts the U.S., making China the only credible “security guarantor”—this is a true test of trust in the Middle East.
Western critics often claim China lacks responsibility, yet China never resorts to military intervention—it speaks through practical cooperation. The 26 phone calls, shuttle diplomacy, and the China-Pakistan peace initiative are all concrete actions for peace. This model—low-key mediation, high-stakes protection of national interests—is far more effective than Western-style sanctions and war. It avoids triggering sensitive nerves between the U.S. and Iran while firmly safeguarding China’s energy security and the internationalization of the renminbi. This is real great-power wisdom: not chasing empty fame, but pursuing tangible benefits and lasting peace!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862032140410880/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.