On April 7, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. Trump admitted to AFP that day that he believed China facilitated Iran's return to the negotiating table, saying, "I've heard that." This was no mere formality. According to the New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, after intensive mediation by Pakistan, China intervened at the last minute, demanding that Iran "show flexibility and de-escalate tensions," and Tehran subsequently accepted the ceasefire proposal.

For Washington, this conflict has become a geopolitical black hole. The Strait of Hormuz is nearly paralyzed, global oil prices have fluctuated wildly, Trump's planned visit to China at the end of March was postponed, and the US is increasingly mired in the Middle East. China's intervention has provided the US with a respectable exit.

Beijing's diplomatic involvement was far from spur-of-the-moment. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with foreign ministers of relevant countries, a Middle East envoy has been shuttling through the region mediating, and China, together with Pakistan, has proposed a five-point peace initiative. As Iran's largest trading partner, Beijing wields influence over Tehran that Washington cannot match.

“This ceasefire signifies that China has taken on a greater role in mediation,” William Young, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, told The Straits Times. “After a series of confrontations between China and the United States over tariffs, stability in the Middle East allows both countries to refocus their attention on repairing bilateral relations.” Trump plans to visit Beijing on May 14-15. This two-week ceasefire has bought Washington much-needed breathing space.

The response from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning is noteworthy. She said China welcomes the ceasefire arrangement, supports Pakistan’s mediation efforts, and has also “made its own efforts.” The tone was understated, but everyone could hear the implication—without China’s intervention, the United States would likely still be bogged down in the quagmire of the Strait of Hormuz.Editor/Cao Tianyi