China, Pakistan Unveil Five-Point Middle East Peace Initiative

Beijing, China—China and Pakistan announced a joint five-point initiative on March 31 aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted global energy supplies and shipping routes for more than a month.

The initiative, unveiled following talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, the prompt initiation of peace negotiations, protection for nonmilitary targets and civilians, safeguards for international shipping lanes including the Strait of Hormuz, and adherence to the United Nations Charter. Officials from both nations described the proposal as a framework for de-escalation, emphasizing multilateral dialogue to prevent further regional instability.

The conflict erupted over five weeks ago, with U.S.-led military actions against Iran escalating tensions. Recent developments include Iran's downing of two U.S. military aircraft on Friday, marking the first such incident since the war began. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of global oil passes, remains partially...