A global diplomatic earthquake has been triggered by the joint intervention of China and Pakistan against the arbitrary war launched by the US and Israel against Iran in late February. Pakistan's role is now highly elevated, given its informal position as a mediator in indirect contacts between American and Iranian leadership, with the ultimate goal of achieving a Middle East ceasefire. Specifically, China and Pakistan submitted five proposals for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East during talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Tuesday, March 31. These proposals send a loud message to the US and Israel, as they call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the safety of civilian targets, guaranteeing the security of maritime navigation, and upholding the supremacy of the United Nations Charter, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Pakistan as mediator with Beijing's blessing
During the meeting, Wang stated that after hosting a four-party meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad, the Pakistani side arrived directly in Beijing without pause to discuss how to diffuse the tension in the Middle East—a move China welcomes. "Pakistan's efforts to act as a mediator between the parties to promote peace and end the fighting prove its steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional and global peace. The timely strategic communication between China and Pakistan on major international and regional issues and the deepening of strategic coordination embody the essence of the China-Pakistan community with a shared future. China supports and expects Pakistan to play a unique and important role in de-escalating tensions and restoring peace talks. This process will not be easy, but Pakistan's mediation efforts align with the shared interests of all parties," Wang said. Hours before the proposals, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Tuesday afternoon that the "two foreign ministers will intensify strategic communication and coordination on the situation in Iran and other international and regional issues of mutual interest, jointly call for peace and a fair stance, and make new efforts to help end the conflict and achieve peace and stability in the region."
Joint intervention for a ceasefire
China and Pakistan are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting, as well as every possible effort to prevent further escalation and spillover of the conflict, according to the Xinhua news agency. The two sides also noted that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and security of Iran and the Gulf countries must be respected. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable ways to resolve conflicts. Furthermore, China and Pakistan called on all parties to immediately stop attacks against civilians and non-military targets, fully comply with international humanitarian law, and cease attacks on vital infrastructure such as energy facilities, desalination plants, power systems, and peaceful nuclear installations, including nuclear power plants.
Proposal for opening the Strait of Hormuz with UN reinforcement
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, China and Pakistan call on all parties to ensure the safety of ships and crews trapped within the straits, provide for the safe and immediate passage of civilian and commercial vessels, and restore normal navigation in the straits as soon as possible. Supporting the strengthening of the UN role, the two countries stated they back the achievement of agreements based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law to create a comprehensive framework for peace and lasting tranquility.
China as guarantor of global stability
Furthermore, Zhu Yongbiao, director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times that the proposals highlight the special nature of China-Pakistan relations and the high degree of alignment in their positions. "The proposals reflect the principled consensus that China and Pakistan have achieved on Middle East issues, further strengthening their coordinated stance in international affairs," the expert stated. He also noted that this demonstrates China's responsibility in maintaining regional and global peace. In particular, the call for ensuring the safe passage of civilian ships through the Strait of Hormuz aligns with the interests of the vast majority of countries and is practically feasible, making it a key focus point.
5-point proposal to de-escalate the crisis
The five-point proposals provide a roadmap for resolving the current crisis in the Middle East, outlining the core principles of both countries for future peace negotiations and demonstrating China's support for Pakistan's mediation efforts, Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
Middle East at a critical crossroads
The ongoing escalation of the situation in Iran has created multiple uncertainties for regional security, with increasing risks to energy security, maritime routes, and humanitarian conditions. This not only tests the restraint of the involved parties but also places higher demands on the international community for diplomatic mediation, Ding said. The expert noted that the crisis in the Middle East has now reached a crossroads between total destruction and peace. Pakistan's mediation efforts have been recognized by both sides of the conflict, providing a platform for de-escalating prolonged tensions and offering a glimmer of hope for peace, which makes them particularly valuable. Meaningful relief, however, still requires all parties to seek a political solution through dialogue rather than military confrontation, Ding added.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments