China Incapable of Brokering Peace in Iran War: Analysts

Beijing and Islamabad proposed a five-point initiative to restore ‘peace and stability’ in the Middle East, ahead of a long-awaited summit between Trump and Xi.

A family rides past a decoration in the shape of the national flags of China and Pakistan installed along a road ahead of the visit of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, in Lahore on July 30, 2023. Arif Ali/AFP via Getty Images

China and Pakistan’s peace plan reflects the Chinese regime’s drive to secure energy supplies from Iran, but experts say Beijing lacks the clout to mediate the conflict, and its support for Tehran will likely overshadow the upcoming summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The two countries presented a five-point initiative on March 31 for “restoring peace and stability” in the Gulf and Middle East region, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.