China, Pakistan ‘mediation’ to create window of Mideast peace talks

China on Wednesday said its joint "mediation" with Pakistan aims to create a window of talks between the US and Iran as the armed conflict in the Middle East continues in the fifth week.

"The situation in the Middle East is the focus of all parties, it continues to be tense (which) is not in line with interests of any party," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

Mao said the "mediation efforts made by China, Pakistan, and other parties should be welcomed by all and we (China) are willing to work with Pakistan to steer clear of disruptions, stop the fighting, and create a window of peace talks."

"The top priority is to start peace talks as soon as possible," she added.

China and Pakistan Tuesday proposed a Five-Point peace plan for the Middle East, which included immediate cessation of hostilities, start of peace talks as soon as possible, security of non-military targets, security of shipping lanes, and primacy of the UN Charter.

The proposal was released after a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.

Beijing and Islamabad in their proposal, called for "early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible."

Notably, Iran has maintained an effective control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy supplies to Asian nations, allowing vessels only from what Tehran describes as "friendly countries."

The joint initiative came as Pakistan facilitates indirect talks between the US and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.

Tensions in the Middle Eastern region have escalated since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in more than 1,340 deaths, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation.

At least 13 US servicemen have been killed during the ongoing armed conflict, with dozens of others wounded.