China Claims Mediation in India-Pakistan May Conflict, India Rejects Third-Party Role

Beijing: Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier claims, China has now asserted that it mediated during the military clashes between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Tuesday that Beijing played a role in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

India, however, has consistently rejected third-party involvement, maintaining that the military standoff from May 7 to 10 was resolved through direct communication between the respective armies’ DGMO offices.

Wang Yi’s Statement on Mediation
Speaking at a symposium on international affairs and China’s foreign relations in Beijing, Wang Yi said, “This year has witnessed more local wars and cross-border conflicts than any time since the end of World War II. Geopolitical upheaval continues to spread.” He added, “To establish lasting peace, we adopted an objective and rational approach, focusing on both symptoms and root causes of conflicts.”

Wang Yi further claimed that China applied the same approach to mediate in several international crises, including tensions in northern Myanmar, Iran’s nuclear issue, the India-Pakistan standoff, the Palestine-Israel conflict, and recent clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.

Background: The May 2025 Military Clash
The May conflict followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. The operation escalated to Pakistani military installations following provocations from Islamabad.

India Rejects Third-Party Claims
India has repeatedly denied the claims of external mediation. In a press briefing on May 13, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the 88-hour military standoff was resolved entirely through direct military communications, without intervention from any third party. New Delhi has consistently emphasized that there is no scope for third-party involvement in bilateral matters with Pakistan.

Questions on China’s Role
China’s role during the May standoff has been questioned, particularly concerning the military support provided to Pakistan. China remains Pakistan’s largest arms supplier, providing over 80% of its military equipment. Diplomatically, Beijing had urged restraint on May 7, the first day of Operation Sindoor, while expressing regret over India’s airstrikes.