Editor's note: Shahrokh Saei, a special commentator for CGTN, serves as editor of the International Desk at Tehran Times. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi's visit to China starting Wednesday should be regarded as a turning point amid Beijing's tenacious efforts to help broker a deal between Iran and the US and restore stability to the Persian Gulf region. The timing of the top Iranian diplomat's meetings with senior Chinese officials, including his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also represents a watershed moment when viewed against the backdrop of Chinese President Xi Jinping's four-point peace proposal for the Middle East.

Araghchi hoped Beijing would continue contributing to peace efforts while supporting the creation of a new regional framework that balances development and security. His remarks, combined with Wang's call for achieving a complete cessation of fighting without delay, reveal a shared understanding that the current crisis requires not only de-escalation but also a structural shift in how regional security unfolds, moving forward.

Araghchi further stressed that Iran will brief China on its talks with Washington and regards Beijing as a trustworthy and strategic partner. This is significant in itself, but it becomes even more consequential when placed alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement this week, which expressed hope that Beijing would push Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz. When both Tehran and Washington, despite their profound mistrust of each other, look to Beijing as the actor capable of influencing the other side, it becomes clear that China has become the central mediator in the conflict.

This convergence of expectations underscores the growing relevance of China's peace proposal, which emphasizes peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and the coordination of development and security. In the context of inconclusive talks between Tehran and Washington, the Chinese blueprint increasingly appears to be the most promising framework with enough legitimacy on all sides to shape the direction of the conflict.

China's approach has already demonstrated its effectiveness. The 2023 rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, achieved after years of strained relations, was facilitated by Beijing's quiet, patient diplomacy. The success of that approach was reflected again in the phone call between the top Iranian and Saudi diplomats. While in China on May 6, Araghchi held a phone call with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and according to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, they discussed regional developments and efforts to maintain security and stability. This was not a coincidence. It was a direct expression of China's mediation diplomacy and evidence that China's peace proposal can be translated into concrete action.

It is in this context that US President Donald Trump's expected visit to China takes on added significance. With the United States seeking ways to de-escalate the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the visit may also reflect a growing recognition in Washington of China's role. China's ability to maintain communication with Iran, the Persian Gulf states and the United States has led more and more to view Beijing as a potentially stabilizing force at a time of heightened uncertainty.

Where Araghchi's visit demonstrated Iran's trust in China, Trump's expected visit may further demonstrate the extent to which major stakeholders see Beijing as an important participant in efforts to promote de-escalation in the region. The two visits, taken together, illustrate that China has become an increasingly active actor with channels open to all sides and the credibility to push for a negotiated settlement.

Against this broader geopolitical backdrop, China's role is evolving beyond that of a distant economic partner toward that of a responsible major power, more actively shaping pathways to peace. At a time when unilateralism and coercive diplomacy have repeatedly failed to deliver lasting results, Beijing's emphasis on dialogue, mutual respect and balanced security offers a credible alternative. China's approach does not seek dominance or bloc confrontation; rather, it promotes inclusive consultation and win-win cooperation as the foundation for long-term stability.

What distinguishes China's mediation efforts is consistency. From facilitating the Iran-Saudi rapprochement to encouraging de-escalation in the Persian Gulf, Beijing has demonstrated that patient diplomacy grounded in respect for sovereignty can yield tangible results. The convergence of expectations from relevant parties in the issue of the Strait of Hormuz underscores that constructive engagement with China is increasingly viewed as essential to resolving complex regional crises.

As global power dynamics evolve, the Persian Gulf stands at a crossroads. Whether the region moves toward renewed confrontation or sustainable stability may well depend on the success of frameworks that integrate development with security. In this regard, China's vision aligns with the aspirations of regional states seeking growth, connectivity and peace rather than perpetual tension.

If current diplomatic momentum is sustained, Beijing's steady and principled engagement could mark not only a turning point in this crisis but a defining chapter in the emergence of a more balanced and cooperative international order.

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