China’s Active Diplomacy Can Help Lower Middle East Temperatures: Masood Khan
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2026) China’s growing diplomatic engagement in the middle East, particularly its coordination with Pakistan and dialogue with the United States and Iran, can contribute to lowering tensions and creating space for negotiations, said Sardar Masood Khan, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He noted that China had recently become more active diplomatically regarding the US-Iran conflict and emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Recent Chinese diplomatic statements have likewise called for restraint, renewed negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Sardar Masood Khan recalled that China had previously supported Pakistan’s mediation efforts. China and Pakistan jointly put forward a five-point initiative in March calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, early peace talks, protection of civilians and non-military targets, security of shipping lanes, and adherence to the primacy of the UN Charter and international law.
He expressed hope that, alongside China, other major actors, particularly Russia and European countries, would contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and restoring negotiations. He stressed that dialogue remained essential even amid competing narratives and allegations arising from the conflict.