by Zhou Yanan In March 2026, tensions flared up again in the Middle East, disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and threatening global energy security. At this critical moment, China and Pakistan put forward a five-point initiative on March 31 to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East. As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, China and Pakistan are speaking in a joint and timely voice in response to the unfolding crisis.