China steps up efforts to push for ceasefire

China and Pakistan have presented a five-point plan to try to end the war in Iran which includes an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The initiative was drafted after Pakistan’s foreign minister flew to Beijing to ask for Chinese support for the country’s efforts to negotiate an end to the war.
China’s Foreign Ministry said the two were making “new efforts towards advocating for peace”.
China’s response to the war in Iran has so far been quite muted. Beijing has a stockpile of oil and is more insulated than many other Asian countries from shortages. But there are already fears that China’s industrial heartland which forms the factory of the world will be impacted long term if this crisis continues.
The war in Iran jeopardises something President Xi covets – stability. Beijing needs a stable global economy if it is to continue growing and exporting goods.
Now, a month into the conflict, with petrol prices continuing to climb, the Chinese government is stepping up efforts to push for a ceasefire.
The Chinese government has tried the role of peacemaker in the Middle East before, with limited success. In 2023 it brokered a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran which did result in a resumption of diplomatic ties. A year later it hosted leaders from 14 Palestinian factions which resulted in a national unity government.
There are few signs anyone is responding to the plan for now, but pushing forward this initiative allows President Xi to play the role of neutral broker and peacemaker – and once again stand in contrast to the leader of the other major superpower.