China trumpets 'own efforts' in US-Iran ceasefire push
Tehran reportedly agreed to the ceasefire after China urged flexibility and de-escalation.
A Chinese diplomat said Beijing had made its "own efforts" to secure a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, hours after US president Donald Trump credited China with helping broker the truce.
Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning outlined her country's recent diplomatic engagement aimed at easing tensions, but stopped short of confirming reports that China directly persuaded Tehran to accept the deal, reports Bloomberg News.
"China has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means to ensure long-term stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East," Mao said. "China made its own efforts in this regard."
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Her remarks came shortly after Washington and Tehran agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities, following weeks of escalating conflict. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, opens the door for negotiations on a more lasting settlement and was announced just before a US deadline threatening strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure.
The New York Times, citing unnamed Iranian officials, reported that Tehran agreed to the ceasefire after China urged flexibility and de-escalation. Trump also told AFP that he believed Beijing had encouraged Iran to come to the negotiating table.
Mao said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had held 26 calls with counterparts since the conflict began, while Beijing's special envoy engaged in shuttle diplomacy across the Gulf. She added that China and Pakistan last week proposed a five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Highlighting close ties between Beijing and Tehran, Iran's envoy in China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, on Wednesday urged major powers to help secure lasting peace in the region.
"We hope all sides can ensure the United States does not resume hostilities," Fazli told reporters in Beijing, according to the South China Morning Post. He added that the UN Security Council, alongside countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan and Turkey, should work collectively to maintain regional stability.
