ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China called for an immediate cessation of hostilities on Tuesday as the Iran war continues, urging all parties to ensure stability in the Middle East and Gulf region, and safe passage for civilian and commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The joint statement was issued after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing for a day-long visit and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wangi Yi on regional developments.
Both countries have sought to position themselves as facilitators as the Iran war refuses to let up, with Islamabad offering to host talks between Washington and Tehran as concerns mount over a wider regional escalation. Dar hosted the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia on Sunday for talks to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
The joint statement, a copy of which was shared by Pakistan’s foreign ministry, mentioned a five-point initiative by Beijing and Islamabad to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region.
“China and Pakistan call for immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading,” the joint statement read.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi (right) at the Diaytai State Guest House in Beijing, China, on March 31, 2026. (PID)
Both sides demanded the start of peace talks “as soon as possible,” with the statement saying that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and Gulf states should be safeguarded.
Beijing and Islamabad urged all parties to the conflict to immediately stop attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets, including energy, desalination and power facilities as well as nuclear power plants.
Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway leading out of the Arabian Gulf through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported during peacetime, has driven up global oil prices since last month.
The joint statement noted that the strait and its adjacent waters are an important global shipping route for goods and energy.
“China and Pakistan call on the parties to protect the security of ships and crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible,” the statement added.
China and Pakistan both called for efforts to strengthen the UN’s primacy, and to support the conclusion of an agreement to establish a comprehensive peace framework on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
The Iran war has raised alarm over disruptions to global energy supplies and shipping routes. China, a key partner of Iran, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, while urging all sides to exercise restraint.
US President Donald Trump warned this week that if a ceasefire is not reached “shortly,” and if the strait is not reopened, the US would broaden its offensive, including by attacking the Kharg Island oil export hub and possibly desalination plants.
