Pakistan did a very specific military attack on places where terrorists were hiding in Iran’s Siestan-Balochistan province. The attack happened very early on Thursday and killed 9 people.

2 min read 2024-01-18, 10:00 PM IST

Summary of the content 

• China extends a “constructive role” to ease tensions between Pakistan and Iran after recent missile strikes.
• Urges both countries to exercise restraint and seeks to avoid further escalation.
• Pakistan conducts “precision military strikes” in Iran’s Siestan-Balochistan province, retaliating against Iranian attacks on Baloch militant group bases.
• China faces a delicate situation due to conflicting alliances with Pakistan and growing ties with Iran.
• Balancing economic interests, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and oil imports from Iran.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, initially expresses lack of awareness about Pakistan’s airstrikes in Iran.
• China urges Pakistan and Iran to remain calm, exercise restraint, and seeks diplomatic solutions to disagreements.
• Highlights China’s increasing influence in West Asia through economic projects, particularly the CPEC.
• Iran emerges as a crucial partner for China, offering an alternative route for energy imports and expanding Beijing’s influence.
• Recalls China’s success in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia together last year, showcasing diplomatic acumen in managing regional tensions.
• Emphasizes adherence to UN Charter principles and international law, advocating dialogue and consultation for dispute resolution.
• Recognizes the delicate balance needed in mediating between Sunni-majority Pakistan and Shia-majority Iran.
• Potential challenges in navigating historical and religious differences to avoid being perceived as favoring one side.

China’s Diplomatic Balancing Act; Navigating Tensions Between Pakistan and Iran

In a delicate diplomatic maneuver, China has extended an offer to play a “constructive role” in easing tensions between its all-weather ally, Pakistan, and its increasingly significant partner, Iran. The recent exchange of missile strikes between the two neighboring countries has presented Beijing with a challenging situation, requiring it to balance its strategic interests in the region. As Pakistan retaliated against what it deemed “terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Siestan-Balochistan province, China finds itself at the crossroads of conflicting alliances and interests.

China’s Dilemma

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, faced queries about the situation during a media briefing, expressing a lack of awareness regarding Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Iran. As China maintains strong ties with both nations, being a significant importer of oil from Iran and investing heavily in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it now grapples with the need to tread carefully to preserve its relationships.

China’s Call for Restraint

Mao Ning emphasized the need for both Pakistan and Iran to “exercise restraint and calmness and avoid escalation.” Acknowledging the complex dynamics at play, China urged the two countries to find diplomatic solutions to their disagreements. The spokesperson highlighted China’s willingness to play a “constructive role” in de-escalating tensions, underscoring its commitment to regional stability.

Strategic Interests in West Asia

China’s strategic interests in West Asia have been on the rise, with the CPEC serving as a key component of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The corridor, connecting Pakistan’s Balochistan to China’s Xinjiang province, has become a focal point for regional dynamics. However, the corridor’s vulnerability to attacks by Baloch nationalists and Sunni extremist groups poses a challenge to China’s ambitious economic plans in the region.

Iran’s Significance in China’s Foreign Policy

While Pakistan has traditionally been a steadfast ally, Iran has emerged as a crucial partner for China in recent years. Tehran’s warming relations with Beijing have enabled China to expand its influence in West Asia, providing an alternative route for energy imports amid geopolitical uncertainties. The recent events place China in a precarious position, requiring careful navigation to maintain its delicate balance between two strategically vital nations.

Diplomatic Success in the Face of Challenges

China’s diplomatic acumen was evident last year when it successfully facilitated a rapprochement between arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia. By bringing these two countries together, China showcased its ability to navigate through tense relationships and foster diplomatic ties in a volatile region. The current situation with Pakistan and Iran presents another opportunity for China to demonstrate its diplomatic prowess.

China’s Stance on International Law

When questioned about Iran’s airstrikes on a camp of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl in Balochistan, Mao Ning reiterated China’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. China emphasized the importance of resolving disagreements through dialogue and consultation while respecting the sovereign independence and territorial integrity of all nations involved.

Potential Challenges in Mediation

China’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and Iran is not without its challenges. The historical and religious differences between the Sunni-majority Pakistan and Shia-majority Iran add complexity to the situation. Beijing must carefully navigate these intricacies to avoid being perceived as favoring one side over the other, risking strained relations with either Pakistan or Iran.

Conclusion

As tensions persist between Pakistan and Iran, China finds itself in a delicate position, needing to balance its commitments to both nations. The evolving situation underscores the challenges of pursuing an ambitious foreign policy agenda in a region marked by historical rivalries and geopolitical complexities. China’s ability to navigate these challenges will not only impact its standing in the region but also test its diplomatic prowess on the global stage. The coming days will reveal whether China can successfully mediate and contribute to the resolution of tensions between its key regional partners.