China and Pakistan call for “immediate ceasefire” and peace talks

China and Pakistan have urged for an “immediate ceasefire” and peace discussions to end the ongoing war in Iran. This call came after high-level meetings between the two nations in Beijing today. They asked all involved parties to ensure safe passage for commercial and civilian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to “protect the safety of vessels and crew” in this vital waterway, which is crucial for the global economy. In a joint statement, the foreign ministries of both countries said, “China and Pakistan call for immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading.” They also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the “sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and security of Iran and the Gulf states.” This statement followed a meeting between Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, and Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart, where they discussed the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan has taken on the role of a key mediator, leveraging its friendly relationships with both Iran and the US to relay Washington’s 15-point plan to Tehran. Additionally, Pakistan is set to host a four-way meeting this weekend with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey to address the conflict. In this recent diplomatic initiative, Islamabad and Beijing called on all parties to halt attacks on civilians and important infrastructure, including energy, desalination, power facilities, and peaceful nuclear sites. They also stressed the need to uphold the authority of the United Nations and international law to achieve a “lasting” peace.