On May 10th, amidst escalating armed conflict between India and Pakistan, US President Trump announced via social media that, after his prolonged mediation efforts, the two countries have agreed to an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.”
International experts widely acknowledge the crucial role played by the United States behind the scenes through diplomatic channels and regional powers in pulling back these two nuclear-armed adversaries from the brink of war.
However, it is evident that while the US successfully mediated the India-Pakistan conflict, the busy hotline between Washington, Islamabad, and New Delhi left Beijing feeling bitter and disgruntled, as it was sidelined despite Pakistan traditionally being referred to as “Iron Brother” and self-proclaimed as Pakistan’s “all-weather friend.”
According to sources within the international defense community, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has long viewed South Asia as within its sphere of influence, is very displeased with Islamabad’s decision to contact Washington instead of Beijing during times of crisis.
Therefore, after the dust settled, the world witnessed Pakistan’s cooperation with Beijing, hoping to be seen as a “global peacemaker,” in a brief melodrama: “Beijing played a crucial role in mediating the India-Pakistan conflict.”
Following the timeline of events, after Trump’s post, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote on X, “Pakistan and India have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Pakistan is committed to regional peace and security while uncompromising on sovereignty and territorial integrity!”
Simultaneously, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing communication with China. Subsequently, Beijing also issued a statement, clearly expressing support for Islamabad.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also released a statement saying that Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a conversation with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, facilitating mediation.
After a series of maneuvers, it seems Beijing found a sense of presence: that the Chinese side participated in mediating between India and Pakistan and issued a statement, after which Pakistani drones ceased intruding into Indian airspace.
Indeed, Beijing ultimately attributed the India-Pakistan ceasefire to itself. Official Chinese media reports stated that the conversation between Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian National Security Adviser Doval facilitated “de-escalation of conflict and a comprehensive, enduring ceasefire.”