Post by : Meena Ariff

US President Donald Trump took credit for mediating peace between India and Pakistan during the recent military conflict, China has now also asserted its role as a key peace broker. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that Beijing played a part in calming tensions not only between India and Pakistan but also in several other global hotspots this year.

Speaking at a major international relations symposium in Beijing, Wang Yi highlighted the surge in local and cross-border conflicts worldwide. He stressed China’s commitment to peace by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of these conflicts. “Our approach has enabled us to mediate sensitive issues such as the tensions between India and Pakistan, conflicts in northern Myanmar, the Iranian nuclear issue, Palestine-Israel tensions, and the recent Cambodia-Thailand border clashes,” Wang Yi stated.

However, India has consistently dismissed claims of third-party mediation in its conflict with Pakistan. New Delhi maintains that the ceasefire, which ended the May 7-10 clashes, was the result of direct dialogue between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the truce agreement was finalized in a phone conversation between the two military chiefs on May 10, emphasizing there was no external involvement.

China’s role in the conflict has been controversial, particularly regarding military support to Pakistan. Reports highlight that China supplies over 81% of Pakistan’s military hardware. India accused Beijing of using the May operation as a strategic “live lab,” with senior Indian military officials citing China’s ancient “36 stratagems” strategy to indirectly harm India by supporting Pakistan.

On the diplomatic front, China called for restraint from both sides during the peak of the crisis, expressing regret over India’s airstrikes while condemning terrorism. Beijing’s position reflects the complex balancing act between its close ties with Pakistan and its diplomatic relations with India.

Despite these tensions, China noted positive progress in its relationship with India. Wang Yi mentioned China’s invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which saw productive engagement. He described China-India relations as showing “good momentum” with ongoing efforts to build a shared future in the region.

On the global stage, Wang Yi also addressed the strained China-US relationship. He criticized the unilateral tariffs imposed by the US, which disrupted international trade and global economic order. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two superpowers, calling for mutual respect and pragmatic engagement to shape world history positively.

#Global News