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As escalation is the order of the day, the five-point plan proposed by China and Pakistan could act as a deterrence in realising a peace format. The salient features of the roadmap are imbibed in the desire for an earnest tranquility by bringing the month-long war to an end. The fact that Beijing is part of the peace initiative is of vital importance, as it could go a long way in persuading both the US and Iran to step back from the brink. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire leading to unconditional peace talks, protection of civilians across the board under the canons of International Humanitarian Law in the warzone, and maritime security to ensure unhindered access to oil supplies to avert price spiral and energy shocks.
The peace initiative has come close on the heels of the quadruple talks in Islamabad, wherein foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to push the diplomatic mosaic to end the conflict. Now with the Chinese on board, the emphasis on the importance of safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and the Gulf states is a leap forward in furthering a common denominator. The Gulf countries and Iran have little to disagree if serenity sets in – and that too with the realisation of bringing an end to this crisis, and enabling life to go back to normalcy. While businesses, tourism and public confidence have been widely hit across the globe, the need of the hour is to give peace a chance and the five-point plan is on the spot in the context.
Pakistan has acted as a great interlocutor, enjoying the confidence of both Tehran and Washington. Beijing’s getting on board must act as a catalyst on Washington prevailing over the Jewish state to put an end to this ill-constructed war that has played havoc with the global economy. The upcoming summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump could act as a game-changer in resurrecting a new world order. All warring sides must endorse this five-point plan, starting with opening the Straits of Hormuz and huddling at the table for seeking a permanent solution.
