China, Pakistan Issue Joint Call for Peace, Reopening Hormuz

Firefighters tackle a blaze following an Iranian strike in Petah Tikva, Israel, on March 31.Photographer: Oded Balility/AP Photo

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Foster Wong

March 31, 2026 at 2:37 PM UTC

Updated on

March 31, 2026 at 11:11 PM UTC

China and Pakistan issued a joint call on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in the Iran war and for the safeguarding of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely closed, hobbling global energy supplies.

The appeals were part of a five-point joint proposal to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East, following talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Beijing, according to a statement from China’s government. The two countries called for the protection of vessels and crews in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of normal navigation as soon as possible.