China pledges ‘strategic coordination’ with Pakistan to help end US war on Iran

China said on Tuesday it would enhance “strategic coordination” with Pakistan on the Iran crisis to promote dialogue and help end the conflict as Islamabad’s top diplomat Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing.

Dar’s trip, his second to China in three months, came just days after a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, during which Beijing pledged to support Pakistan’s role as a mediator.

Describing Pakistan as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partner”, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed the visit and said the two ministers would discuss regional developments and bilateral ties.

“We believe the two foreign ministers will strengthen strategic communication and coordination on the Iran situation…jointly voicing peace and justice, and making new efforts to promote dialogue, end conflict and safeguard regional peace and stability,” she told reporters.

No detailed statement on Dar’s meeting with Wang has been released as of Tuesday evening.

While speculation has centred on Pakistan’s mediation role in the fifth week of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted global markets, strained shipping and sent oil prices surging, Chinese analysts said the talks were expected to extend well beyond the Iran conflict.

South China Morning Post