China and Pakistan 'mediation' to create window of Mideast peace talks, Beijing says
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, China on March 31, 2026. Photo: Reuters
China on Wednesday said its joint “mediation” with Pakistan aimed to create a window of talks between the United States and Iran as the armed conflict in the Middle East continues in the fifth week.
“The situation in the Middle East is the focus of all parties; it continues to be tense, which is not in line with the interests of any party,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.
Mao said the “mediation efforts made by China, Pakistan and other parties should be welcomed by all, and we are willing to work with Pakistan to steer clear of disruptions, stop the fighting, and create a window of peace talks.”
“The top priority is to start peace talks as soon as possible,” she added.
#FMsays The five-point initiative proposed by China and #Pakistan on Tuesday for restoring peace in the Gulf region and the #MiddleEast "is open" and "welcomes the response and participation of various countries and international organizations", Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao… pic.twitter.com/E2YGf1Frdu
China and Pakistan, on Tuesday, proposed a Five-Point peace plan for the Middle East, which included immediate cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, the security of non-military targets, the security of shipping lanes, and the primacy of the UN Charter.
The proposal was released after a meeting in Beijing between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar with Chinese FM Wang Yi.
Islamabad and Beijing, in their proposal, called for "early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the strait as soon as possible".
Notably, Iran has maintained effective control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy supplies to Asian nations, allowing vessels only from what Tehran describes as "friendly countries".
The joint initiative came as Pakistan facilitates indirect talks between the US and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Also Read: Pakistan, China discuss regional peace, strategic cooperation
Tensions in the Middle Eastern region have escalated since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, resulting in more than 1,900 deaths, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation.
At least 13 US servicemen had been killed during the ongoing armed conflict, with dozens of others wounded.