Xi Praises Pakistan’s Role in Middle East Peace Diplomacy
Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, during high-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing. The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, placed Pakistan’s mediation efforts over the Iran conflict alongside the wider strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.
The talks were attended by senior Pakistani officials, including Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other members of the federal delegation. The presence of the military and diplomatic leadership underlined Islamabad’s attempt to present a coordinated position on regional peace, security and economic cooperation.
President Xi acknowledged Pakistan’s outreach after Field Marshal Munir’s recent visit to Iran and described Islamabad’s efforts as constructive. The Chinese leadership also reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing commitment to Pakistan, framing the relationship as resilient despite global uncertainty and shifting power alignments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Chinese leadership that the world was passing through a difficult and sensitive phase because of instability in the Middle East. He said Pakistan had tried to play a sincere role in supporting dialogue between the United States and Iran, and expressed hope that the diplomatic process would move towards durable peace.
The premier also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both sides discussed bilateral cooperation as well as the wider international situation. Pakistan’s delegation said the Middle East crisis was not only a regional security issue but also a matter affecting global trade, energy markets, investment confidence and economic recovery.
The Beijing meetings came at a time when Pakistan has been trying to strengthen its diplomatic profile beyond traditional security concerns. Islamabad’s role in Middle East peace efforts, if sustained, could improve its international standing and create space for deeper cooperation with China, Gulf states and other key global actors.
China’s statements also carried significance for Pakistan’s domestic and economic agenda. Beijing remains central to major infrastructure, energy and connectivity projects, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and any renewed confidence between the two sides can support investment, trade and development planning.
During the visit, both countries also exchanged multiple agreements and cooperation documents in areas including trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, climate change, education, media and people-to-people engagement. These understandings showed that both governments want the relationship to move beyond symbolic diplomacy and produce practical outcomes.
For Pakistan, the immediate challenge will be to convert diplomatic goodwill into measurable benefits at home. The next phase will depend on whether Islamabad can maintain its mediation credibility, secure stronger Chinese economic cooperation and use the momentum from the Beijing talks to support stability, investment and regional connectivity.