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Chinese say Beijing is negotiating Iran ceasefire talks. Pakistan is a proxy

There is a broad consensus across Chinese online platforms that US and Israeli actions have driven unilateral tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, troubling global energy markets.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, have concluded without an agreement and were a failure. Chinese commentary, however, presents a markedly different narrative that foregrounds Beijing’s otherwise ‘invisible’ role. 

There is a broad consensus across Chinese online platforms that US and Israeli actions have driven unilateral tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and that has placed unprecedented strain on global energy markets. Writing in Guancha, a Shanghai-based news site, reporter Qu Qipao argued that the US-imposed blockade has effectively ended and that the international community’s position is against the US. Apart from Israel, most US allies have remained muted, while European states have emphasised the importance of keeping the strait open. Russia, meanwhile, has warned of negative impacts on global markets.

Beijing’s invisible hand 

In Chinese online discussions, Beijing is portrayed as a restrained yet consequential actor. Its role is distilled into three themes: frequent communication, institutionalised mediation, and strategic balancing. Quoting US President Donald Trump’s claim, “We are clearing the Strait of Hormuz… a gift to the whole world, including China…”, a Baijiahao commentator argued that Washington is “playing the China card.” What appears as goodwill is instead framed as implicit coercion, positioning China as a “beneficiary” of US actions while expecting political gratitude in return. 

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