Call together for a ceasefire and peace talks; Urge protection of civilians and secure shipping as Beijing eyes wider Middle East
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and China on Tuesday 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, urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation, and the restoration of normal maritime traffic in 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 visited 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 this plan highlights Beijing’s increasingly proactive role in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
The plan
According to the joint statement, both sides stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, calling on all parties to prevent the conflict from spreading and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to war-affected areas.
They also called for a rapid resumption of peace talks, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable avenues to resolve differences. The statement highlights the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and the Gulf States, while urging all parties to refrain from using or threatening force during negotiations.
Underscoring concerns over the safety of civilians, both countries stressed the need to protect non-military targets. They called on all parties to strictly respect international humanitarian law and stop attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants and peaceful nuclear facilities.
They also expressed concern over disruptions to global trade, stressing the need to ensure the security of shipping lanes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. They called for the safe passage of commercial ships and the restoration of normal maritime traffic as soon as possible.
Reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, the two countries stressed the primacy of the United Nations Charter, urging the international community to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace framework consistent with international law.
The central role of China
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad said the move reflects a shared commitment by Islamabad and Beijing to promote de-escalation in a region facing heightened tensions. Diplomatic sources have suggested that China could play a central role in pushing Iran towards possible face-to-face talks with the United States in Islamabad.
Dar’s visit to Beijing gained popularity among domestic and international commentators. Analysts noted that the joint statement proves that Pakistan and China are “on the same page” regarding the crisis.
“The upshot of the Sino-Pakistani five-point statement on war is that China’s response when asked to get involved was certainly not ‘no.’ This statement is an opening for Beijing to intervene,” Vali Nasr, a Johns Hopkins professor and author of “Iran’s Grand Strategy,” wrote on X.
Geostrategy expert Professor Ishtiaq Ahmed noted that the declaration closely aligns with the interests of the Gulf. “By establishing a ceasefire first, Beijing and Islamabad align themselves with Gulf preferences and create a baseline that others can publicly support, even if not immediately implemented,” he said.
Dr Ahmed added that the “most important point” concerns the Strait of Hormuz: “By focusing on safe passage and normal navigation, the proposal links the conflict to global energy markets. It aligns with the interests of the United States, China, and the Gulf and creates a clear zone where pressure for restraint can build quickly.
Former Finance Minister Asad Umar called the proposal on Quoting Allama Iqbal, he added: “See the sun rising from the East. »
Michael Kugelman, a prominent US foreign policy expert, said the move marks Beijing’s support for the US-Iran peace process that Islamabad has sought to advance. However, he added, “this probably also reflects Pakistan’s view that China needs to be brought into the fold to gain greater buy-in from the Iranians.” »
Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, called the framework “critically important”. He noted that this closely aligns with Iran’s position while emphasizing the supremacy of the UN and international law, indicating that China is now ready to act as a mediator.
