Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on July 16, 2026 in Shanghai. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

China and Pakistan called for an early ceasefire and the resumption of talks between the US and Iran during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday evening in Shanghai, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views and coordinate positions on the situation in Iran, the statement said.

Both sides expressed concern over the worsening situation and called on all parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities, work to overcome difficulties, remove obstacles, resume contact and dialogue, and ultimately strive to reach a comprehensive peace agreement through negotiations. The international community should continue to provide support and assistance to this process.

The call made by China and Pakistan not only conveyed their shared hope that the situation returns to the track of the memorandum of understanding and peace talks as soon as possible, but also reflected the broader call for peace from the majority of the international community, Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday.

Wang stressed that the first-phase MoU reached between the US and Iran was hard-won, and it represented not only the outcome of negotiations between the two sides, but also the result of joint efforts by the international community, with Pakistan playing an indispensable role in coordination and mediation.

The core provisions of the memorandum serve the fundamental and long-term interests of the parties concerned and align with the shared expectations of the international community. They should therefore be cherished and carefully safeguarded, Wang pointed out.

China has maintained close communication with Pakistan throughout the process and has firmly supported Pakistan's mediation efforts, Ding said. He noted that during Pakistani foreign minister's previous visit to China, the two sides jointly put forward a five-point initiative, and when there were new developments in the conflict or progress in mediation efforts, Pakistan would promptly informed China, with the two countries working together to promote a ceasefire, end hostilities and resolve differences through dialogue.

Peace is within reach; efforts must not be wasted, nor should the opportunity be lost after being gained, Wang said, adding that all parties should honor their commitments and abide by the provisions of the memorandum.

China will continue to support Pakistan's mediation efforts and play a constructive role, in its own way, in promoting the easing of tensions, Wang said.

Dar briefed Wang on Pakistan's recent efforts, thanked China for its understanding and support, and said Pakistan would continue to work actively to promote peace and dialogue despite difficulties, according to the statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.