China has shown unease towards Pakistan’s mediation attempts in the West Asia conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, as per a report by the ‘Politeia Research Foundation’. Despite Pakistani Defence Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing seeking support for mediation, China’s response was cautious and principle-based, indicating strains in the China-Pakistan relationship.
The report highlights emerging divergences in China-Pakistan relations, particularly regarding Afghanistan and ties with the US, which are reshaping their once strong partnership. China’s response to Pakistan’s request for support in mediating the US–Israel–Iran tensions was not as expected, with China urging Pakistan to address its issues with Afghanistan first.
Under Pakistani Army Chief Marshal Asif Munir, who is seen as favored by US President Donald Trump, Pakistan’s actions in Afghanistan have reportedly disregarded China’s security interests, leading to concerns and a need for China to adjust its regional strategy. China’s unease stems from its significant investments in Pakistan, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and its broader connectivity ambitions in the region.
The report also notes a slowdown in the pace of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) due to concerns over corruption, terror attacks on Chinese workers, and growing instability in Pakistan. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to secure renewed financial support by invoking CPEC, China has reduced its engagement with the project, reflecting the evolving dynamics in the bilateral relationship.
