Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has departed for Beijing for a one-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit follows closely after a four-nation meeting in Islamabad focused on the US-Israel war on Iran, with Dar expected to brief Chinese leadership on Pakistan’s mediation efforts and seek Beijing’s continued support.
ISLAMABAD – Dar’s second visit to Beijing this year underscores the priority Pakistan places on its “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China. During the meeting, Dar and Wang Yi will review bilateral ties and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office statement said.
The visit comes at a critical juncture as the Middle East conflict enters its second month, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key mediator between the United States and Iran. Dar will likely brief Chinese leadership on the outcomes of the four-nation meeting in Islamabad, which brought together the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt to discuss de-escalation efforts.
China’s Full Support for Pakistan’s Initiative
Dar revealed on Sunday that China extended full support to Islamabad’s mediation initiative following his telephonic conversation with the Chinese foreign minister. “Initiating peace talks is no easy task, but it is the only viable path to avoid further casualties and losses,” Wang Yi said, according to an official Chinese readout.
China’s endorsement is significant given Beijing’s close relationship with Tehran and its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Chinese support adds diplomatic weight to Pakistan’s efforts to bring both the US and Iran to the negotiating table.
Pakistan’s Mediation Push
The four-nation meeting in Islamabad concluded with initial discussions reportedly focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping—a critical waterway through which approximately 20 percent of global oil passes. Iran’s effective closure of the strait has driven oil prices above $100 a barrel and disrupted global energy markets.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, reaffirmed Pakistan’s “strong commitment and resolve to play a positive role in bringing both Iran and the US to the negotiating table,” while appreciating Turkiye and Egypt’s “valuable contributions” to the matter.
The prime minister’s statement followed the quadrilateral meeting, which was also attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. The discussions covered ways to bring an early end to the war and potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement emphasized that “Pakistan and China enjoy an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, characterised by close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international issues.”
The partnership has remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy across successive governments. China has been a consistent supporter of Pakistan on issues ranging from Kashmir to economic development, and Beijing’s backing of Islamabad’s mediation role in the Iran-US conflict represents a significant diplomatic asset.
Regional Context
Dar’s Beijing visit comes as the US-Israel war on Iran continues to escalate. Thousands of US Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, and President Trump has threatened to seize Iran’s Kharg Island—the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports—if a deal is not reached.
Iran has warned against any ground attack, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stating that Tehran would “never accept humiliation.” However, Trump has called Iran’s new leaders “very reasonable” and expressed optimism about a potential deal.
The diplomatic track remains active, with Pakistan preparing to host potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. China’s support for Pakistan’s initiative could help bridge the gap between the two sides, though significant obstacles remain.
Looking Ahead
Dar’s one-day visit to Beijing will focus on coordinating positions between Pakistan and China ahead of any potential US-Iran talks. The two foreign ministers are also expected to discuss broader regional stability, including the situation in Afghanistan and developments in the Indian Ocean.
The visit underscores the importance Pakistan places on keeping China informed and aligned with its diplomatic initiatives. As Pakistan emerges as a key mediator in one of the most significant conflicts of the decade, the support of its most important strategic partner will be crucial.
