China Steps Up Diplomacy on Iran War but Faces Skepticism From US

China has intensified its diplomatic efforts over the Iran war, presenting a five-point proposal alongside Pakistan, engaging with Gulf nations, and opposing a United Nations plan that could allow the use of force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The moves signal Beijing’s attempt to play a larger role in global affairs, though analysts question how much impact the initiative will have.

Chinese officials say they have been working “tirelessly for peace” since the conflict began. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with counterparts across the Middle East and beyond, including officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and European countries. Beijing has called for an immediate end to hostilities and the reopening of key shipping routes.

Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, said the conflict presents an opportunity for Beijing to assert leadership. “The war with Iran is the priority of all countries in and outside the region. It is an opportunity China will not miss to demonstrate its leadership and diplomatic initiative,” she said.

However, some observers see China’s efforts as largely symbolic. Danny Russel, a former senior US diplomat, described the initiative as “performative,” comparing it to China’s earlier proposals on other conflicts that lacked follow-through. “What we are seeing from China is messaging, not mediation,” he said, adding that Beijing is positioning itself as a responsible global actor in contrast to Washington.

The United States has shown little interest in China’s role in the conflict. Officials in the Trump administration have taken what one source described as an “agnostic” stance toward the Chinese-Pakistani proposal, neither endorsing nor rejecting it. Analysts say Washington is reluctant to give Beijing an opportunity to claim diplomatic success in a region where US influence has traditionally been dominant.

China’s diplomatic push comes as the war continues to escalate. Iran recently shot down two US military aircraft, marking a significant development in the conflict. President Donald Trump said the incident would not affect negotiations, even as tensions remain high and global markets react to ongoing instability.

Beijing’s position is also shaped by economic considerations. While China has diversified its energy sources and relies on Iran for a relatively small share of its oil imports, it remains exposed to prolonged disruptions in global supply chains. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up energy prices, raising concerns about the broader impact on China’s export-driven economy.

Analysts say China has an interest in preventing a prolonged conflict that could increase costs and weaken global demand. At the same time, Beijing has opposed proposals at the United Nations that would authorise military action to secure shipping routes, arguing such measures could escalate tensions further.

China and Russia have both expressed concern that allowing force under a UN mandate could worsen the conflict. Bahrain has since revised its proposal to focus on defensive measures, with a vote expected next week.

Despite China’s diplomatic outreach, its five-point plan has received little response from Washington. US officials say the proposal lacks detail, describing it as a general appeal for diplomacy and adherence to international law rather than a concrete roadmap for ending the war.