China and Pakistan push new Middle East peace plan

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 escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to an op-ed by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the initiative was issued in Beijing on March 31 following close coordination between the two countries. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, early resumption of peace talks, protection of civilian infrastructure, safeguarding of maritime shipping routes and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The ambassador said the plan reflects not only the shared stance of Beijing and Islamabad but also the broader expectations of the international community, adding that it has received wide attention and support.

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Highlighting longstanding ties, he described China and Pakistan as “iron-clad friends” that have maintained close coordination on global and regional issues. Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has engaged with relevant stakeholders to promote dialogue, while Pakistan has facilitated mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions.

He noted that both sides remained in close diplomatic contact through embassies in Beijing and Islamabad, as well as at the UN Security Council. Their foreign ministers have also held multiple discussions to align positions and push for peaceful resolution.

Placing the initiative in a broader context, the envoy linked it to Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, which emphasises multilateralism, sovereign equality and adherence to international law. Pakistan has also supported this framework at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

He stressed that military force cannot resolve conflicts and warned that continued instability could disrupt global energy supplies and supply chains.