China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the swift launch of peace talks. The announcement comes as the two countries step up coordination on the situation in Iran.
The plan was outlined during a high-level meeting in Beijing between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The initiative emphasizes the following key points:
- Immediate cessation of hostilities in the region.
- Launch of peace talks as soon as possible, with all parties committing to a peaceful resolution.
- Protection of civilians and non-military targets, including energy infrastructure and desalination facilities.
- Securing strategic shipping lanes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, for the safe passage of civilian and commercial vessels.
- Ensuring that any lasting peace adheres to the UN Charter and international law.
Both governments stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable solutions to the conflict. Wang Yi praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts, noting that Islamabad could play a “unique and important role” in easing tensions and facilitating peace talks.
The initiative follows regional diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan, including recent discussions with officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye. The conflict began after US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, raising concerns over regional stability and the security of maritime traffic.
While China remains a key partner of Iran, it has not provided military support, instead advocating for calm, restraint, and an immediate end to hostilities.
