Beijing, April 6, 2026: A joint peace proposal by China and Pakistan—known as the “Five-Point Initiative”—was formulated against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to an op-ed by Ambassador Jiang Zaidong published in People’s Daily.
The initiative, jointly issued in Beijing on March 31, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the launch of peace negotiations, protection of civilian and non-military targets, safeguarding of maritime shipping routes, and adherence to the United Nations Charter. It reflects what both countries describe as a shared commitment to restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and broader Middle East region.
According to the ambassador, the proposal is the outcome of sustained diplomatic coordination between Beijing and Islamabad, particularly since the outbreak of the ongoing regional conflict. Both sides maintained close engagement through bilateral channels and at multilateral forums, including the UN Security Council. High-level contacts between the two countries’ foreign ministers—via phone calls and meetings in Beijing—helped shape a unified stance calling for de-escalation and dialogue.
China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has been actively engaging with all parties involved in the conflict to encourage ceasefire efforts and diplomatic negotiations. Pakistan, meanwhile, has played a complementary role by facilitating dialogue and mediation, leveraging its regional ties to prevent further escalation.
The initiative is also framed as part of a broader vision for global governance reform. Ambassador Jiang linked it to the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin last year. The framework emphasizes sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateral cooperation, and people-centered development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended the summit, had expressed Pakistan’s support for the initiative at the time, underscoring Islamabad’s alignment with Beijing on key global governance issues.
The Five-Point Initiative has reportedly received positive responses from multiple countries and international organizations, reflecting broader international support for ceasefire and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The op-ed emphasizes that history has consistently shown the limitations of military solutions, advocating dialogue and negotiation as the only viable path forward.
Looking ahead, both China and Pakistan have pledged to deepen their strategic partnership, particularly as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. The two sides aim to expand cooperation across political, economic, and multilateral domains while continuing to jointly advocate for peace, stability, and reform in the global governance system.
