China joins credit race for India-Pak ceasefire, calls its role ‘constructive’ after Trump’s claim

China has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, with its foreign ministry claiming it played a “constructive role” in bringing about the de-escalation. In a statement, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with both Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on May 10 to help facilitate a full and lasting ceasefire.

The ministry spokesperson said, “We hope India and Pakistan will cement and continue the ceasefire momentum, avoid further conflict, properly handle differences through dialogue and negotiation, and return to the track of political settlement.” The statement added that China will remain in contact with both sides and continue efforts to “keep the region peaceful and stable.”

China supports and welcomes the #IndiaPakistanCeasefire.On the night of May 10, Director and FM Wang Yi spoke with Pakistans Deputy PM & FM Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and Indias NSA Shri Ajit Doval respectively to help bring about deescalation and a full, lasting ceasefire.We pic.twitter.com/fE1NIbonru

CHINA MFA Spokesperson (@MFA_China) May 12, 2025

This comes amid US President Donald Trump also taking credit for helping defuse the conflict, having engaged in backchannel diplomacy following the rapid escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours earlier this week.

Beijing's claim of facilitating the ceasefire comes at a time when it has been positioning itself as a peace broker in several global conflicts, including between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and now seemingly between India and Pakistan. However, Indian sources have maintained that the decision to halt military action was taken following direct talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations, initiated by Pakistan.

The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held talks on Monday. The two military officials deliberated on various aspects of the understanding reached between the two sides on May 10 on stopping military actions and firings, reported PTI.

India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on early May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack.

All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor'. India and Pakistan on Saturday last announced reaching an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.