China, Pakistan Unveil Five-Point Initiative to Restore Peace in Gulf, Middle East – THISDAYLIVE

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the Gulf and broader Middle East region.

The proposal was unveiled following a high-level meeting in Beijing between Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Foreign Minister, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Both sides reviewed the deteriorating security situation in the region and stressed the urgent need for coordinated international action to prevent further escalation.

At the core of the initiative are five key measures:

First, China and Pakistan called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties to halt ongoing conflicts and prevent further escalation, while ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations.

Second, both countries advocated the urgent commencement of peace talks, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable solutions. 

They reaffirmed the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations in the region, including Iran, and urged all sides to refrain from the use or threat of force during negotiations.

Third, the initiative stresses the protection of civilians and non-military targets, calling for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and an immediate halt to attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure such as energy facilities and nuclear installations.

Fourth, China and Pakistan underscored the security of vital shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, urging all parties to ensure the safety of vessels and crews and to restore normal maritime operations as quickly as possible.

Fifth, the two nations emphasized the primacy of the United Nations Charter, calling for strengthened multilateral cooperation and support for a comprehensive peace framework rooted in international law.

The joint proposal signals a renewed diplomatic push by Beijing and Islamabad to play a more active role in stabilizing one of the world’s most volatile regions amid rising geopolitical tensions.