China and Pakistan call for ceasefire between US and Iran

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs published this Friday (17.Jul.2026) a joint note with Pakistan in which the 2 countries call for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and a return of the nations to the negotiating table. The statement was released after a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, in Shanghai on Thursday (July 16).

“Both sides expressed concern over the deterioration of the current situation and called on the parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities, make efforts to overcome difficulties, eliminate interference, resume contacts, resume dialogue and strive to reach a comprehensive peace agreement through negotiations.”says the note. Here is the full text (PDF – 157 kB, in English).

China and Pakistan are two of the most influential countries in the conflict that has hit the Middle East since the end of February.

Pakistan is the main mediator between the US and Iran. It played an important role throughout the first rounds of negotiations between the countries.

China is the 2nd largest global power and has good relations with Iran and the vast majority of Middle Eastern countries. The region is suffocated by war and constant blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.

The war between the US and Iran has intensified in recent days after the countries failed to implement the memorandum of understanding that would lead to a definitive peace agreement. The attacks officially resumed on July 8.

So far there is no sign that the countries will resume negotiations. US President Donald Trump (Republican Party) even said that negotiating with the Iranians was “waste of time”.

On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baghaei, declared on Wednesday (Jul 15) that the country is focused exclusively on defending its territory and there are no plans to negotiate with the Americans.