Original Source
US-Iran Conflict Enters Third Month, Pakistan and China Mediate Truce Talks
US-Iran Conflict Status and China's Role
Approximately two months have passed since the United States joined Israel's attack on Iran on February 28. Currently, discussions are underway to end the conflict between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan. In this process, China is playing an active role, urging Iran to make certain concessions and encouraging cooperation from other Middle Eastern countries.
China's Motivation and Southeast Asia's Perception
China depends on the Middle East for 42% of its crude oil imports, making it highly vulnerable to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Given China's current most severe economic stagnation since the 1980s, the psychological impact of rising energy prices on its citizens is a significant concern. Beyond internal factors, China is actively engaging in conflict resolution to support the energy security of Global South nations. A report released on April 7 by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, based on a survey of Southeast Asian countries, symbolically reflects China's rising relative standing in this context.
*Source: JBpress (2026-04-21)*
