Five-point initiative between China and Pakistan to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region.

On March 31, 2026, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks in Beijing with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf and the Middle East, and proposed the following initiatives: 1. Immediately stop hostile actions. China and Pakistan call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent the conflict from spreading. Humanitarian aid should be allowed to enter all war-affected areas. 2. Start talks as soon as possible. The sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and security of Iran and Gulf countries should be upheld. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable ways to resolve conflicts. China and Pakistan support the parties involved in opening negotiations, and all parties should commit to resolving disputes peacefully. During the talks, the parties to the conflict should not use or threaten to use force. 3. Ensure the safety of non-military targets. The principle of protecting civilians in armed conflicts must not be violated. China and Pakistan call on all parties to immediately cease attacks on civilians and non-military targets, fully comply with international humanitarian law, and stop attacks on important infrastructure such as energy, desalination plants, electricity, and peaceful nuclear facilities. 4. Ensure the safety of shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are important international trade routes for goods and energy. China and Pakistan call on all parties to protect the safety of ships and crew stranded in the waters within the Strait of Hormuz, arrange for commercial ships to safely pass through as soon as possible, and restore normal navigation in the strait. 5. Ensure the primacy of the United Nations Charter. China and Pakistan advocate for true multilateralism, jointly promote strengthening the important role of the United Nations, and support reaching agreements on establishing a comprehensive and lasting peace framework based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.