ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has described Pakistan’s mediatory role in the Middle East as commendable, terming it a vital peacemaking effort amid escalating Gulf tensions.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the envoy praised Islamabad’s diplomacy as important and constructive, positioning Pakistan as a key bridge in regional conflicts.
He emphasised that non-military sites must not be targeted and sea routes protected at all costs to prevent broader economic fallout.
The ambassador highlighted that recent actions in the Middle East violate the United Nations Charter, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue over force.
China firmly backs negotiated solutions, he added, aligning with Pakistan’s longstanding neutral stance that enables discreet backchannel communications.
This endorsement arrives as Middle East tensions threaten Pakistan’s economy, with remittances from the region forming 55 percent of total inflows and nearly 10 percent of national GDP.
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics warns that prolonged conflict could slash remittances by 3 to 4 billion dollars this year alone.
Annually, 700,000 to 800,000 Pakistanis migrate to Gulf states for work, primarily Saudi Arabia and the UAE, making stability there critical for foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan’s efforts have reportedly eased misunderstandings between the United States and Iran through quiet facilitation, according to regional media accounts.
Local reports from outlets like SAMAA TV and 24 News HD detail how Islamabad’s reminders of its strategic mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia helped contain risks of wider Gulf war.
The 2025 defence agreement with Riyadh covers intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and joint arms manufacturing, bolstering Pakistan’s leverage in de-escalation talks.
Pakistan’s neutral posture, rooted in strong ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, has proven instrumental since China’s 2023 brokering of the landmark Iran-Saudi reconciliation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed this praise in a March 10 call with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, commending Pakistan’s initiatives for stability.
Analysts note that Pakistan’s mediation enhances its global profile, especially as Beijing invests over 60 billion dollars in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Stable energy flows from the Middle East remain essential, with Pakistan sourcing over 80 percent of its oil imports from the region.
Any disruption could spike inflation and stall industrial growth, yet Islamabad’s proactive role is mitigating these threats through sustained engagement.
Pakistan ranks among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, having deployed thousands of troops over decades.
This track record, combined with current diplomatic bridges, underscores why major powers view Islamabad as an unbiased facilitator.
The ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to ongoing reconciliation efforts, praising Pakistan’s model of dialogue that avoids escalation.
In a region prone to proxy conflicts, Pakistan’s quiet interventions have prevented full-scale war on multiple fronts.
Regional media claims these backchannels have already reduced hostilities, earning Islamabad rare acclaim from both Washington and Tehran.
Such developments signal a shift, with Pakistan emerging as a pivotal player in multipolar diplomacy beyond South Asia.
Experts highlight how the all-weather China-Pakistan partnership amplifies these mediatory successes through shared strategic interests.
As Gulf tensions persist, Islamabad’s balanced approach offers a blueprint for sustainable peace, backed by Beijing’s explicit support.
This commendation not only validates Pakistan’s efforts but also cements its role in fostering Middle East stability for years ahead.