China and Pakistan put forward five proposals on 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.
The proposals are immediately ceasing hostilities, initiating peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the safety of non-military targets, ensuring the safety of navigation, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
1. Immediate ceasefire
First, China and Pakistan call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting, and for all-out efforts to prevent further escalation and spillover of the conflict. Humanitarian relief supplies should be allowed to enter all areas affected by the war, according to Xinhua.
2. Initiating peace talks as soon as possible
The sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and security of Iran and the Gulf countries should be respected. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable way to resolve conflicts. China and Pakistan support the parties concerned in initiating negotiations, and all sides should commit to resolving disputes by peaceful means. During the talks, parties to the conflict should refrain from the use or threat of force.
3. Ensuring the safety of non-military targets
The principle of protecting civilians in armed conflict must not be violated. China and Pakistan call on all parties to immediately cease attacks against civilians and non-military targets, fully comply with international humanitarian law, and stop attacks on key infrastructure such as energy facilities, desalination plants, power systems, and peaceful nuclear facilities including nuclear power plants.
4. Ensuring the safety of navigation
The Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters are vital international routes for trade in goods and energy. China and Pakistan call on all parties to ensure the safety of vessels and crews stranded within the Strait, arrange for the safe and prompt passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal navigation in the Strait as soon as possible.
5. Safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter
China and Pakistan advocate practicing genuine multilateralism, jointly promoting a stronger role for the UN, and supporting the conclusion of agreements—based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law—on establishing a comprehensive peace framework and achieving lasting peace.
