After Iran's strike, China vows to protect Pakistan

Defense News ,China :- In a bid to mediate and ease escalating tensions between Iran and Pakistan, China has reassured Islamabad of its unwavering support in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity. The diplomatic development follows the recent air strikes exchanged between Tehran and Islamabad.

China's Foreign Minister, Sun Weidong, visited Pakistan on a mediation mission, emphasizing close communication with both Pakistan and Iran to bridge their differences. In a statement on January 18, China offered a constructive role to alleviate tensions and urged restraint and calmness to prevent further escalation between the two nations.

Earlier on the same day, Pakistan conducted precision military strikes in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, targeting what they deemed as terrorist hideouts, resulting in nine casualties. This retaliation was prompted by Iranian missile and drone attacks on January 16, targeting bases of the Sunni Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed support for the progress in repairing ties between Iran and Pakistan, emphasizing China's commitment to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation through friendly consultation.

Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, a former Ambassador to Pakistan and India, reiterated the strong partnership between China and Pakistan. He commended Pakistan's adherence to the one-China principle and pledged support for safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

China expressed willingness to work closely with Pakistan to implement common understandings, deepen political trust, expand practical cooperation, upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and accelerate the establishment of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

During his visit, Sun held talks with various Pakistani officials, including Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, assuring China's continued support in defending Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The discussions also included participation in a crucial meeting regarding the $60 billion CPEC, which has faced objections from India due to its route through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Wang Wenbin reiterated China's commitment to mediation, emphasizing a readiness to collaborate with Iran and Pakistan to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and preserve regional peace, stability, and development.

Both Iran and Pakistan have agreed to allow the return of ambassadors to their respective posts by January 26, signaling a diplomatic resolution following the expulsion of envoys in the aftermath of the air strikes.

China, balancing its alliances with both Pakistan and Iran, faces a delicate situation as it seeks to expand its influence in the West Asia region. China's considerable oil imports from Iran add another dimension to its strategic interests in the region. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, in a phone call with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, reiterated China's concerns over tensions, emphasizing the need for de-escalation. China is particularly concerned about Iran's missile strikes in Baluchistan, where many of its investments, including the Gwadar port, are located—the starting point of the CPEC project connecting to China's Xinjiang province.