Jointly calls for ceasefire, peace talks; calls for civilian protection, safe shipping as Beijing sees a greater Middle East
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and China on Tuesday jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, an urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and the restoration of normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The ‘Five Point Plan’ was announced in a joint statement following a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.
Dar traveled to China two days after hosting a meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. China’s approval of the plan highlights Beijing’s increasingly proactive role in seeking a solution to the crisis.
The plan
According to the joint statement, both sides stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and called on all parties to prevent the conflict from spreading and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to war-torn areas.
They also called for a speedy resumption of peace talks, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable ways to resolve disputes. The statement emphasized the importance of protecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and the Gulf states, while calling on all parties to refrain from the use or threat of force during negotiations.
The two countries highlighted concerns over civilian security and stressed the need to protect non-military targets. They called on all parties to strictly comply with international humanitarian law and cease attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy plants, desalination plants and peaceful nuclear installations.
They also expressed concern over disruptions in global trade and stressed the need to ensure the safety of shipping lanes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. They called for the safe passage of commercial vessels and the restoration of normal maritime traffic as soon as possible.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and emphasized the primacy of the UN Charter and called on the international community to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace framework in accordance with international law.
China’s crucial role
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad stated that the initiative reflects a joint commitment by Islamabad and Beijing to promote de-escalation in a region facing heightened tensions. Diplomatic sources suggested China could play a central role in pushing Iran toward potential face-to-face talks with the United States in Islamabad.
Dar’s visit to Beijing gained considerable traction among national and international commentators. Analysts noted that the joint statement proves that Pakistan and China are “on the same page” on the crisis.
“The result of the China-Pakistan five-point statement on the war is that China’s response to being asked to get involved was definitely not ‘no’. The statement is an opening for Beijing to step in,” Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins and author of ‘Iran’s Grand Strategy’, wrote on X.
Geo-strategy expert professor Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed noted that the declaration closely aligns with the interests of the Gulf. “By placing a ceasefire first, Beijing and Islamabad are aligning themselves with Gulf preferences and creating a baseline that others can publicly support, even if they are not implemented immediately,” he said.
Dr Ahmed added that the most “consistent point” involves the Strait of Hormuz: “By focusing on safe passage and normal shipping, the proposal links the conflict to global energy markets. It aligns with US, Chinese and Gulf interests and creates a clear area where pressure for restraint can build rapidly.”
Former finance minister Asad Umar described the X proposal as an “excellent development”, noting that it is the first time China has taken a direct initiative to influence a global crisis of this magnitude. Quoting Allama Iqbal, he added: “See the sun rise from the east.”
Michael Kugelman, a prominent US foreign policy expert, said the initiative signals Beijing’s support for the US-Iran peace process, which Islamabad has sought to promote. However, he added, “It is also probably a reflection of Pakistan’s view that China needs to be brought into the fold to get more buy-in from the Iranians.”
Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, called the framework “critically important”. He noted that it is closely aligned with Iran’s position while emphasizing the UN’s supremacy and international law, indicating that China is now ready to act as a mediator.
