China and Pakistan Seek to Jointly Push for an End to the Iran Conflict; Chinese Vessels Pass Through Strait of Hormuz
Over the past period, Pakistan has been committed to playing a mediating role in the Iran conflict. The Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar began his visit to Beijing on Tuesday, with both countries planning to work together toward "peaceful resolution and cessation of hostilities." Meanwhile, China has confirmed that three Chinese vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and expressed gratitude for the "assistance provided by relevant parties."
China and Pakistan plan to strengthen diplomatic cooperation and jointly strive to end the Iran war. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar began his visit to Beijing on Tuesday, holding talks with China's Foreign Minister. At the regular press conference on the same day, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the two foreign ministers would discuss international and regional issues including the situation in Iran, "jointly voicing calls for peace and justice, and making new efforts to promote peace, stop war, and safeguard regional peace and stability."
In recent months, Pakistan has actively sought to play a mediating role in the Iran conflict. Both Pakistan and China are important partners of Tehran, while Pakistan also maintains strong relations with Gulf states and the United States.
Last Sunday, senior diplomats from Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia met in Islamabad to discuss advancing U.S.-Iran negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he observed increasing support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
It is reported that the discussion on Sunday included issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has largely blocked this vital global trade route.
Experts warn that if the United States launches a ground offensive against Iran or if Iran expands attacks on Gulf nations to include energy infrastructure, oil prices could surge again, triggering global market turmoil.
Chinese Vessels Pass Through Hormuz: Beijing Thanks "Relevant Parties" for Assistance
At the same day’s regular press conference, Beijing confirmed that three Chinese ships had transited the Strait of Hormuz. Spokesperson Mao Ning said this was the result of coordination "with relevant parties," and expressed thanks "to the assistance provided by relevant parties," though she did not specify which parties were involved.
According to AFP, two cargo ships belonging to China COSCO Shipping Corporation (COSCO) sailed out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz early Monday morning.
According to maritime analysis firm Kpler, another vessel, the Hong Kong-flagged oil and chemical tanker Egret, had already passed westward from east on March 25.
According to Chinese media reports, COSCO’s two vessels—“Zhonghai Beiyangyang” and “Zhonghai Yinyangyang”—had been stranded in the Persian Gulf for over a month. Ship tracking data systems show that the two massive container ships traveled along the route between Iran’s largest island, Qeshm Island, and Larak Island, continuing toward their destination, Port Klang in Malaysia.
AFP noted that MarineTraffic tracking information showed these two vessels had attempted to pass through on Friday but failed.
Prior to this, Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to vessels from "friendly countries."
COSCO announced last Wednesday it would resume bookings from Asia to multiple Gulf countries, but would avoid routes crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, due to the impact of the war, the company had suspended its booking services via the strait in early March.
Source: DW
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861187122137155/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.