Pakistan, China propose five-point plan to support peace in Gulf and Middle East

ISLAMABAD: China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, amid rising tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The plan, issued in Beijing on March 31, was the result of close coordination between the two countries, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said in an op-ed.

The initiative calls for an immediate ceasefire, early resumption of peace talks, protection of civilian infrastructure, safeguarding maritime shipping routes, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. Jiang described the proposal as reflecting the shared position of Beijing and Islamabad and said it has received “wide attention and support” internationally.

According to the ambassador, China and Pakistan have maintained close diplomatic coordination since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, engaging relevant parties to promote dialogue and de-escalation. Pakistani officials have also facilitated mediation efforts. Both countries have remained in contact through diplomatic channels in Beijing and Islamabad, as well as at the UN Security Council, with multiple discussions between their foreign ministers to align positions.

Jiang linked the initiative to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, which emphasizes multilateralism, sovereign equality, and adherence to international law, a framework Pakistan has endorsed at international forums including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

The ambassador said the initiative has drawn positive responses from several countries and international organizations, framing it as a step toward mobilizing global support for peace. He also warned that continued instability could disrupt global energy supplies and supply chains, stressing that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the conflict.

China and Pakistan, Jiang said, will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, while promoting reforms in global governance and upholding international justice.