China’s leader Xi Jinping met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday, state media reported. The meeting comes as diplomatic efforts by several countries to formally end the Iran war continue without a breakthrough. Sharif’s visit follows direct U.S.-Iran talks hosted by Pakistan last month that failed to produce a lasting agreement.

What did Xi Jinping say about Pakistan’s role in the Iran war?

Xi praised Pakistan for “taking the initiative to play a mediating role in restoring peace in the Middle East,” according to a Chinese readout of the talks. He called on both countries to maintain close communication, jointly oppose unilateralism, and resist what he described as a Cold War mentality. China has played a supporting role, coordinating calls and meetings with Gulf officials.

Who accompanied Sharif to Beijing for the Iran mediation talks?

Sharif was joined by Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s key negotiator between Washington and Tehran. The high-level meeting, reported by state news agency Xinhua, followed Sharif’s earlier talks the same day with Premier Li Qiang, China’s number 2 leader.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrives for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China on May 25, 2026.Reuters

Munir had visited Tehran the previous Friday and Saturday alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of ongoing mediation efforts.

What is Pakistan’s role in mediating between the U.S. and Iran?

Pakistan hosted the only direct negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials since the war began, in April. Munir played a central role during that round, greeting both delegations on arrival and maintaining visible rapport with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The talks ultimately collapsed, with Iran accusing the United States of making “excessive demands.”

What did PM Sharif say about the state of Iran war diplomacy?

Speaking to Chinese leaders alongside Munir, Sharif said “the world is passing through a critical moment,” as broadcast on Pakistan’s state-run PTV channel. He credited Pakistan with playing “a sincere role to mediate between U.S. and Iran” and said progress was being made. “Things are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China’s support to promote peace,” he said.

Sharif began his four-day official visit in Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, on Saturday. China has said it would work with Pakistan to “make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.”