China and Pakistan jointly issued a five-point proposal on March 31 after talks in Beijing, laying out a framework aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East. According to Xinhua, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for an immediate ceasefire, the restart of diplomatic talks, and the resumption of normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Proposal centers on ceasefire, talks, and infrastructure protection
The document covers military de-escalation, diplomacy, and safeguards for essential facilities. It urges all parties to stop hostilities at once, prevent the conflict from spreading, and allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas. It also stresses that dialogue is the only path to resolving the conflict, while calling for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and Gulf states and rejecting the use or threat of force during negotiations.
Another key point is the protection of non-military targets. The proposal opposes attacks on civilians as well as on critical facilities including power systems, desalination plants, and nuclear power stations, and it calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law. The language is specific, with a clear focus on limiting damage to civilian life and energy infrastructure.
Strait of Hormuz singled out in the proposal
Shipping security was given its own dedicated point. China and Pakistan called for the protection of stranded vessels and crews, and urged arrangements to ensure that commercial and civilian ships can pass safely as soon as possible so that the Strait of Hormuz can return to normal operations. In the context of global energy flows, that emphasis stands out.
UN framework placed at the center
The fifth point backs multilateralism and supports a comprehensive and lasting peace framework based on the UN Charter. The proposal stays focused on concrete issues already raised in the conflict: halting the fighting, reopening talks, protecting infrastructure, and restoring maritime traffic, while placing the United Nations in the central coordinating role.
As released, the joint China-Pakistan initiative is directed at the current tensions across the Gulf and the Middle East. Its priorities are laid out plainly: stop the fighting, reopen negotiations, shield key facilities, and restore shipping routes.