China's Five-Point Initiative with Pakistan on Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and the Middle East

On March 31, 2026, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf and the Middle East, and put forward the following initiative:

First, an immediate cessation of hostilities. China and Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and prevention of war, making every effort to prevent the escalation of conflict and its extended repercussions, and allowing humanitarian and relief materials to enter all war-affected areas.

Second, the earliest possible launch of peace negotiations. The sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and security of Iran and the Gulf states should be preserved. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path to resolving conflicts. China and Pakistan support stakeholders in launching negotiations, where all parties must commit to resolving disputes through peaceful means, and all parties to the conflict must refrain from using or threatening to use force during peace negotiations.

Third, ensuring the safety of non-military targets. The principle of protecting civilians in military conflicts must not be violated. China and Pakistan called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease attacks against civilians and non-military targets, fully adhere to international humanitarian law, and stop attacks on vital infrastructure, including energy, desalination, and electricity facilities, and on peaceful nuclear facilities, including nuclear power plants.

Fourth, ensuring the safety of waterways. The Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters are an important international passage for trade in goods and energy. China and Pakistan called on all parties to secure stranded vessels and their crews within the Strait of Hormuz, arrange for the safe passage of civilian and commercial vessels through the Strait as soon as possible, and restore normal navigation in the Strait as soon as possible.

Fifth, ensuring the priority of the United Nations Charter. China and Pakistan called for the necessity of implementing true multilateralism, working together to enhance the important role of the United Nations, and supporting the achievement of an agreement on building a comprehensive peace framework that ensures lasting peace under the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.