China reiterates Xi's peace roadmap

Calls for peace and an end to conflict have grown increasingly strong since US-Israel military strikes against Iran began in February. Since then, efforts to mediate and facilitate dialogue have not ceased, aiming to restore peace, stability, and development in the region.

In this regard, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward four propositions to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasising commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international rule of law, and a balanced approach to development and security.

According to China's Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, the four-point proposal contributes "Chinese wisdom and solutions to resolving the regional crisis" and promoting lasting peace and stability. It has also received broad support from the international community, including Pakistan.

"China and Pakistan have maintained an objective and impartial stance on this conflict and have worked together to promote a ceasefire and peace talks," Jiang wrote in an article. "As a responsible major country and a sincere friend of Middle Eastern nations, China will not cease its efforts until regional peace is restored."

Jiang noted that Pakistan has fully leveraged its advantages, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Asim Munir all actively working for peace. He said these efforts helped facilitate a temporary ceasefire and the Islamabad Talks.

"During this period, China and Pakistan maintained close communication and cooperation, with the two foreign ministers speaking three times and jointly issuing a Five-Point Initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region in Beijing, sending a message of peace and justice," he said.

"China and Pakistan are striving to inject stability into a turbulent region through the strength of their bilateral relations. The all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is demonstrating a leading and exemplary effect beyond bilateral significance."

Jiang described Pakistan-China ties as a "generational friendship", stressing that China considers Pakistan a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, while Pakistan has reaffirmed the relationship as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

"The people of both countries affectionately refer to each other as 'ironclad brothers', and the phrase 'higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel' vividly illustrates this bond," he wrote.

He added that both countries remain committed to promoting regional peace, expressing hope that Middle Eastern and Gulf states will improve relations and coexist harmoniously. "The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf states should be respected, and the safety of their people, facilities and institutions safeguarded."

According to the ambassador, the situation in the Middle East remains complex, and restoring peace and stability will be a long and arduous process.