China, Pakistan propose five-point plan to de-escalate Middle East tensions

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday after a high-level meeting in Beijing.

The proposal followed talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who arrived in Beijing earlier in the day on an official visit at China’s invitation.

Call for ceasefire and dialogue

According to an official statement by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to prevent further escalation.

They stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected areas and said diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving the crisis.

Sovereignty and civilian protection emphasized

The joint initiative underscored the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and other Gulf states.

Both countries urged all stakeholders to begin peace talks and refrain from the use or threat of force.

They also called for the protection of civilians and non-military infrastructure, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law. The statement warned against attacks on critical facilities, including energy installations, desalination plants, power infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites.

Focus on shipping routes and global trade

China and Pakistan highlighted concerns over the security of global shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global trade and energy supplies.

They called for ensuring the safety of vessels and crews and for the swift restoration of normal maritime traffic through the waterway.

Concerns have grown internationally about potential disruptions to maritime flows amid ongoing fighting in the region.

Support for UN-led multilateral framework

The two countries reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in addressing the crisis and called for “true multilateralism.”

They urged the international community to work toward a comprehensive and lasting peace framework in line with the UN Charter and international law.

China described its relationship with Pakistan as an “all-weather” strategic partnership and said both sides would coordinate closely on regional security issues.

Rising tensions and diplomatic efforts

Dar’s visit comes amid heightened tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 that triggered ongoing fighting.

On Sunday, Dar hosted counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey in Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the conflict, according to Pakistani officials.

Pakistan has said it is ready to host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran, while both Islamabad and Beijing have called for de-escalation.

China, a key partner of Iran, has not announced any military assistance to Tehran and has repeatedly called for a ceasefire.

Iran has not acknowledged official talks with Washington but conveyed a response to a reported 15-point plan by U.S. President Donald Trump through Islamabad, according to an anonymous source cited by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.