China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point plan aimed at halting the escalating war in the Middle East and restoring stability to the Gulf region. This initiative emerged from high-level talks in Beijing between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

The announcement underscores the growing diplomatic coordination between the two nations amid heightened regional tensions.

The plan's first pillar calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Both countries emphasise that this step is essential to prevent further loss of life and economic disruption. They argue that only through such a pause can meaningful dialogue commence without the shadow of ongoing violence.

Peace talks form the core of the second point, with Beijing and Islamabad urging all parties to initiate discussions at the earliest opportunity. The joint statement highlights dialogue and diplomacy as the sole viable path to conflict resolution. Notably, Pakistan has offered to host these "meaningful talks" between the United States and Iran, positioning itself as a neutral mediator.

A key provision in the plan demands an end to attacks on civilians and non-military targets. This includes critical infrastructure such as energy facilities and desalination plants, which have suffered significant damage. Protecting these assets is seen as vital for humanitarian reasons and to avert broader economic fallout across the region.

Securing vital shipping lanes ranks as another priority. The initiative specifically addresses the Strait of Hormuz, advocating for measures to ensure the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial vessels. With maritime traffic already choked by the conflict, this point aims to safeguard global trade routes that are indispensable to the world economy.

Finally, the plan insists that any lasting peace must adhere to the United Nations Charter and principles of international law. China and Pakistan frame this as a foundation for equitable resolutions, urging restraint from the use or threat of force during negotiations. Their stance reflects a broader commitment to multilateralism in crisis management.

The timing of Dar's visit to Beijing is significant. It follows his recent hosting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey in Islamabad over the weekend. Those discussions focused on de-escalation strategies in response to the war's trigger: US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February.

China, a major economic partner of Iran, has refrained from offering military aid to Tehran. Instead, it has consistently advocated for a ceasefire while boosting its diplomatic outreach. Beijing's approach aligns with its broader interests in maintaining stability in the oil-rich Gulf, where disruptions threaten its energy imports.

Pakistan, one of China's closest allies in South Asia, plays a pivotal mediating role. An anonymous source cited by Iran's Tasnim news agency revealed that Tehran has channelled a response to US President Donald Trump's 15-point peace proposal via Islamabad. This backchannel underscores Pakistan's utility as an intermediary, even as Iran publicly denies official talks with Washington.

Regional concerns are mounting over the war's ripple effects. The choking of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has already disrupted global shipping, raising fears of supply chain crises. Both nations warn that escalation could draw in more actors, complicating efforts for a swift resolution.

Beijing's diplomatic activism extends beyond the Middle East. Recently, a Chinese special envoy mediated for a week between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid their own border tensions. China urged "calm and restraint" from Islamabad, illustrating its strategy of leveraging partnerships to foster regional calm.

This five-point plan positions China and Pakistan as proactive voices in Middle Eastern peace making. By aligning on immediate de-escalation and structured talks, they seek to counterbalance Western-led initiatives. Observers note that success hinges on buy-in from principal combatants—the US, Israel, and Iran—amid deep mutual distrust.

The initiative also highlights shifting geopolitical alignments. Pakistan's outreach to Gulf states and its conduit role for Iran-US messaging reflect Islamabad's ambition to elevate its global diplomatic profile. For China, it reinforces its image as a responsible power advocating restraint over confrontation.

AFP