China, Pakistan unveil 5-point roadmap to halt West Asia war

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace initiative aimed at halting the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, positioning diplomacy as the only viable path to restore stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.

The proposal comes as Pakistan steps up its role as a potential mediator, offering to host direct peace talks between Washington and Tehran. The initiative was formally announced in a joint statement issued on March 31 and shared by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following high-level consultations in Beijing.

The document was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, underscoring a coordinated diplomatic push at a time when tensions threaten to spiral into a broader regional war.

Five-point plan focuses on ceasefire, dialogue

At the core of the proposal is an immediate cessation of hostilities, with both countries urging all parties to prevent further escalation and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to conflict-hit regions.

The plan calls for the urgent launch of peace talks, stressing that sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security of Iran and Gulf states must be respected. It asserts that dialogue—not force—remains the only sustainable solution, and urges all sides to commit to peaceful negotiations without threats or military pressure.

Civilian protection, infrastructure security prioritized

China and Pakistan have also called for strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law, demanding an end to attacks on civilians and non-military targets. The proposal highlights the need to protect critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants, power systems and nuclear installations.

With global energy flows at risk, the initiative places special emphasis on safeguarding shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial artery for international trade. It urges safe passage for commercial vessels and the swift restoration of normal maritime operations.

UN-led framework for lasting peace

The final pillar of the plan underscores the primacy of the United Nations Charter, advocating multilateral cooperation to build a comprehensive and lasting peace framework grounded in international law.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Islamabad’s willingness to facilitate dialogue, stating that the country fully supports ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Pakistan, along with Turkey and Egypt, has reportedly been engaged in back-channel diplomacy between the US and Iran, with its outreach intensifying as the conflict begins to impact critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Iran rejects parallel US proposal

Even as diplomatic efforts gather pace, Iran has rejected a separate 15-point peace proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump, calling it “excessive and unreasonable.” Tehran indicated that communication with Washington remains limited to indirect channels and distanced itself from Pakistan’s mediation efforts, describing them as unilateral.

The contrasting positions highlight the complexity of negotiations, even as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire in one of the region’s most volatile crises in recent years.