Global Times Editorial: China-Pakistan's "Five-point Initiative" Threads Peace with Rationality
China and Pakistan's five-point initiative on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region has drawn extensive attention from the international community since its proposal on March 31. At a critical juncture when conflicts are entering a "choice between peace or war," amid the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and global supply chain disruptions affecting the entire world, the timely, pragmatic, and highly constructive nature of this five-point initiative underscores China's responsibility as a major country, highlights the unique value of the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, and injects valuable momentum toward ending hostilities.
The five-point initiative can be summarized as "one halt, two talks, three guarantees": immediate cessation of hostile actions, swift initiation of negotiations, and ensuring the safety of non-military targets, maritime routes, and the primacy of the United Nations Charter. Grounded in addressing urgent humanitarian and security crises while also aiming at long-term political solutions, each point precisely targets the core pain points and bottlenecks of the current crisis—a truly effective remedy for both symptoms and root causes. It reflects not only the shared position of China and Pakistan but also embodies the widespread aspirations of the international community, particularly the vast majority of Global South nations dependent on Middle Eastern energy supplies and key sea lanes.
Currently, both the United States and Iran show willingness to negotiate. The timing of the proposal of this five-point initiative is thus especially fitting. One key reason why it has received such serious attention upon release is the widespread belief that it goes beyond mere symbolic statements—it genuinely has the potential to provide additional impetus toward facilitating U.S.-Iran talks. This stems partly from Pakistan’s unique role as a pivotal “intermediary,” and partly from China’s significant influence. Prior to his visit to China, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar stated that China fully supports Pakistan’s invitation to representatives of Iran and the United States to attend peace talks, which “will help end this one-month-long conflict.” Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts, describing them as “a positive diplomatic move based on goodwill,” confirming the constructive role of the five-point initiative.
This marks the first time China has jointly issued an initiative with another country regarding the U.S.-Iran conflict. The China-Pakistan collaboration signifies the formation of a united force comprising regional countries and major powers working together to promote peace and dialogue—open to all nations that cherish peace. This open-ended framework for peace helps gather just voices across the international community, making mediation efforts more inclusive and powerful. Of course, initiating talks is no easy task, but only by talking can further casualties and losses be avoided. The value of China and Pakistan’s five-point initiative lies precisely in establishing a rational “safety net” and laying down a path toward peace. In future negotiations and power struggles, any party attempting to breach ceasefire lines, attack civilians, or block maritime routes will face mounting pressure from the international consensus and moral norms embodied in this initiative. The broader the participation in the initiative, the greater the pressure on those who threaten peace.
We have observed some voices in the international arena speculating whether China is “intervening in the conflict” or “providing security guarantees.” Such claims represent misunderstandings of China’s role and principles. China is not a party to the conflict and has consistently adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China always upholds a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. Whether it’s the “intervention theory” or the “security guarantee theory,” both stem from bloc confrontation thinking, which not only fails to bring lasting peace but may instead complicate existing tensions further. Achieving a ceasefire ultimately depends on the conflicting parties—especially the United States and Israel—quickly halting military operations and returning to the proper track of abiding by international law and basic norms of international relations. China and Pakistan’s five-point initiative is not about “intervening” in the conflict; rather, it responds to the expectations of regional countries and peoples by offering constructive solutions to advance the peace process and building bridges for dialogue among all parties.
The five-point initiative once again shows the world that beyond the jungle rule of brute force and military adventurism, there exists a rational choice and a peaceful path based on rules and dialogue. China’s recent series of initiatives in the Middle East—from facilitating reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, to supporting internal reconciliation in Palestine, to proposing this joint initiative—have clearly outlined the practical path of the Global Security Initiative. Instead of relying on military intimidation or forming blocs, China patiently and impartially acts as a threader, guiding conflicting parties back to the negotiation table so they can sit down and talk. The more genuine efforts there are to extinguish tensions, pave the way for a ceasefire, and build bridges for dialogue, the sooner the day of peace may arrive.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861325121514508/
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