China and Pakistan have proposed a five-point initiative to help end the US-Israel war on Iran and restore stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, the resumption of diplomatic talks, and the security of shipping lanes.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Beijing on March 31 between Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, where both sides reviewed the current security situation and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation.

The first point of the plan calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, accompanied by the earliest possible start of peace talks. The parties call for an urgent halt to hostilities and efforts to prevent further escalation, alongside access for humanitarian aid to all war-affected areas.

They strongly emphasize that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path to resolving the conflict, ruling out any military option during peace talks.

Among the key elements of the proposal is a call to halt all attacks against civilian and non-military targets, including strategic infrastructure such as energy and power facilities.

The plan emphasizes respect for international humanitarian law and the need to protect the civilian population.

Foreign ministers Wang Yi and Mohammad Ishaq Dar also said the safety of shipping lanes ⁠must be ensured, including that of ships and crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint now at the centre of global energy and shipping concerns.

China and Pakistan called on the parties to “allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible.”

The plan concludes with a strong call for multilateralism and for reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement based on the principles of the U.N. Charter and international law.

The initiative comes as the conflict enters its second month, with continued attacks across the Gulf disrupting energy markets, shipping routes and global supply chains.

“China will continue to stay in close communication with Pakistan and relevant parties and play a constructive role in promoting the end of hostilities,” according to a statement from China’s foreign ​ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. “The initiative is open and we welcome response and participation of all countries and international organizations,” it added.