China’s Middle East Peace Proposals: Strategic Implications for Africa and the Global South

Saxon Zvina

On March 31, 2026, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart jointly unveiled the “China-Pakistan Five-Point Initiative for Peace and Stability in the Gulf and the Middle East” in Beijing, focusing on ending the immediate conflict.

Just two weeks later, on April 14, China President Xi Jinping proposed the “Four-Point Proposal for Peace and Stability in the Middle East” during a meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing—this time, outlining a long-term governance framework. These two proposals are closely intertwined, forming a two-tier diplomatic approach: addressing the immediate crisis to halt chaos and ensuring long-term stability.

They not only embody the defining features of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics—”promoting peace through dialogue and acting with pragmatic responsibility”—but also reflect China’s commitment as a responsible major power to take initiative and safeguard peace amid global turmoil. President Xi has focused on the Middle East’s long-term peace and stability, prioritized the core interests of Global South nations, injected much-needed certainty into the turbulent region, and safeguarded development prospects for Africa and the broader Global South.

The escalation of tensions in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global supply chains—from energy and fertilizers to maritime shipping—inflicting direct economic harm and long-term development risks on Africa and the Global South, regions heavily dependent on global markets. From an African and Global South perspective, this article examines the strategic logic, practical value, and actionable insights of these two initiatives.

1. The Two Initiatives: A Comprehensive Blueprint—From Crisis Response to Long-Term Stability

(I) China-Pakistan Five-Point Initiative: Emergency Crisis Response (Addressing the Symptom)

Focused on the immediate pain points of the conflict, the Five-Point Initiative centers on a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and shipping lane security—moving quickly to stem conflict spillover and secondary disasters, while laying the groundwork for subsequent peace negotiations.

It calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the early launch of peace talks, adherence to international humanitarian law to protect non-military targets, safeguarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, and upholding the UN Charter as the cornerstone of true multilateralism.

As an emergency measure, the initiative directly addresses the Middle East’s most pressing needs, embodying the spirit of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics—”responding to others’ urgent needs and solving their practical difficulties”—and paving the way for the Four-Point Proposal’s implementation.

(II) President Xi Jinping’s Four Propositions: Long-Term Governance Framework (Tackling the Root Cause)

Rooted in the Middle East’s deep-seated contradictions and global governance trends, the Four Propositions — put forward by the Chinese President — offers a long-term solution. Focused on the region’s enduring peace and stability, it establishes four core principles: peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, the international rule of law, and balancing development and security.

Beyond laying a solid foundation for the Middle East’s long-term stability, the proposal showcases the strategic wisdom of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics — “addressing both symptoms and root causes through holistic planning.” It also reflects the Chinese Leader’s exceptional wisdom and broad vision in understanding regional dynamics and steering the path toward peaceful development. Unlike the emergency-focused Five-Point Initiative, the Four Propositions are more systematic, forward-looking, and guiding: they serve as the centerpiece of China’s efforts to advance the Middle East peace process and stands as a vital global public good for conflict governance—highlighting China’s irreplaceable constructive role in international affairs.

1. Uphold the principle of peaceful coexistence: This principle embodies China’s diplomatic philosophy of “sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith” and lies at the heart of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. China supports Gulf nations in improving bilateral relations, advocates for a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security architecture in the Middle East and Gulf region, rejects the outdated “zero-sum game” mindset, and strengthens the foundation for peaceful coexistence among regional states. This proposal aligns with the reality that Middle Eastern countries are interdependent and share a common destiny, while reflecting the Chinese President’s broad vision in promoting good-neighborliness and win-win cooperation—pointing the way for regional nations to resolve differences and build consensus.
2. Uphold the principle of national sovereignty: Sovereign equality is the cornerstone of international relations and a core tenet of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. China has long maintained that sovereignty is the foundation of a country’s survival and development; it is imperative to respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf nations, protect the safety of their personnel, facilities, and institutions, and firmly oppose external interference in regional affairs. This proposal directly addresses the long-standing core concerns of Middle Eastern countries, reaffirms China’s position as a responsible major power committed to upholding international fairness and justice and resisting hegemonism, and reflects President Xi’s wisdom and commitment to defending sovereign equality and safeguarding the interests of developing nations.
3. Uphold the principle of the international rule of law: China has consistently championed the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It opposes the selective application of international law—”using it when convenient, discarding it when not”—and promotes the deepening of the international rule of law. This proposal is not only a concrete expression of China’s commitment to true multilateralism but also a vivid reflection of the “multilateralism first, consultation and co-governance” approach in China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. It demonstrates China’s responsibility to lead the international order toward greater fairness and rationality in global governance, while showcasing President Xi’s leadership in coordinating global governance and upholding international justice.
4. Uphold the principle of balancing development and security: Security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee of security. This concept is central to the “development-oriented, win-win” philosophy of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and an important proposal put forward by China’s head of state in light of the global development landscape. China stands ready to share the opportunities of Chinese modernization with Gulf nations, jointly cultivate an environment conducive to regional development and security, and help regional countries resolve security challenges through development and achieve high-quality development in a safe context. This proposal not only provides a fundamental path to long-term peace and stability in the Middle East but also offers valuable lessons for African and Global South nations grappling with the “development-security dilemma”—underscoring China’s critical role as a global development partner.

(III) The Internal Logic of the Two Initiatives: Symptom and Root Cause, Unity in Purpose

1. Bridging emergency and long-term action: The Five-Point Initiative focuses on “addressing the symptom”—quickly easing the conflict, stemming spillover, and creating favorable conditions for peace talks. The Four-Point Proposal, by contrast, focuses on “tackling the root cause”—addressing the deep-seated drivers of regional conflict, building a long-term security and development architecture, and preventing the recurrence of tensions. The two are closely complementary, forming a comprehensive peace solution.
2. Commitment to dialogue and multilateralism: Both initiatives reject the use of force and threats of force, embrace dialogue and diplomacy as the only way forward, and anchor their efforts in the UN Charter and multilateralism. They align closely with China’s long-standing position of “opposing conflict and advocating dialogue” in its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, while reaffirming China’s commitment to advancing multi-stakeholder governance in global affairs.
3. Integrating symptom and root-cause solutions: The Five-Point Initiative mitigates the visible impacts of the conflict and eases the immediate crisis; the Four-Point Proposal addresses its underlying causes and fosters enduring peace in the region. Through sovereign equality, good-neighborliness, and development linkages, it prevents the cycle of conflict from repeating—reflecting President Xi’s exceptional governance wisdom in “balancing the immediate and the long-term, the local and the global.”
4. Alignment with China’s consistent Middle East diplomacy: The two initiatives build on core tenets of China’s diplomacy, including the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and the link between development and security. They offer a Chinese alternative to military confrontation and zero-sum games, enriching the connotation of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and demonstrating China’s growing influence and leadership in international affairs.
5. Strategic Value for Africa and the Global South

(I) Direct Economic Dividends: Stabilizing Development Foundations

1. Stabilizing energy and fertilizer prices: The peaceful and stable environment advocated by the Four-Point Proposal, combined with the emergency measures of the Five-Point Initiative, will effectively curb fluctuations in oil prices and fertilizer supplies. This will ease inflationary pressures in Africa, improve fiscal sustainability, and provide stable support for the continent’s agricultural production and economic recovery—putting the “win-win and common development” philosophy of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics into action.
2. Controlling maritime trade costs: The Four-Point Proposal’s focus on shipping lane security aligns with the Five-Point Initiative’s priorities, effectively safeguarding the navigability of the Strait of Hormuz. This ensures the timely import and export of African bulk commodities, reduces logistics and insurance premiums, and helps African countries lower foreign trade costs and enhance economic resilience.
3. Strengthening humanitarian and livelihood safeguards: The principle of protecting critical infrastructure in both initiatives aligns with Africa’s security needs in energy, water conservancy, and electricity—reducing the impact of conflict spillover on people’s lives. It demonstrates China’s readiness to take action as a responsible major power to prioritize the well-being of developing nations and reflects an admirable vision of “putting people first and jointly safeguarding livelihoods.”

(II) Enhancing Voice in Global Governance

1. Reinforcing sovereignty and non-interference: The Four-Point Proposal’s emphasis on upholding national sovereignty and opposing external intervention directly addresses Africa’s long-standing concerns. It helps African countries consolidate their development autonomy and resist external meddling—embodying the principle of “respecting the independent choices of all nations and non-interference in internal affairs” in China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and providing strong support for African nations to defend their rights and interests.
2. Elevating status in multilateral platforms: The Four-Point Proposal’s unwavering commitment to the UN-centered international system provides African small and medium-sized countries with a fairer platform to speak out and participate. This helps African nations amplify their voice in global governance, aligning with China’s efforts to reform the global governance system and expand the representation of developing countries—highlighting China’s leadership in global affairs.
3. Resonating with global institutional reform: The Four-Point Proposal’s focus on fairness, justice, and multilateral co-governance aligns closely with Africa’s priorities—including increasing representation in the UN Security Council, reforming international financial institutions, and promoting fair trade and dispute resolution. These efforts help rebalance global power dynamics and underscore China’s role as a voice for the Global South and an advocate for developing nations’ interests.

(III) A Development-Security Paradigm Aligned with African Reality

Much of Africa’s instability stems from inadequate development, which is often derailed by security crises. The Four-Point Proposal’s principle of “balancing development and security”—a key component of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics—aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the continent’s priority on infrastructure and industrialization. It offers a roadmap for Africa to achieve a positive cycle of peace and development. Promoting this paradigm will not only help Africa overcome development challenges but also foster a consensus among Global South nations that “security is advanced through development, and development is secured through stability”—showcasing the global value of the Chinese solution and reflecting exceptional wisdom in understanding and appreciating developing nations’ needs and guiding collective progress.

(IV) Expanding Strategic Choice

The two initiatives—particularly the Four-Point Proposal—provide non-aligned, non-confrontational global public goods, driving the shift from unipolar dominance to multi-stakeholder governance in global affairs. This is a vivid demonstration of the “independent and peaceful development” philosophy of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. For Africa and the Global South, this framework offers the flexibility to engage multilaterally and make independent choices—freeing them from the pressure to take sides and enhancing their strategic autonomy. Behind this lies China’s selfless commitment as a responsible major power to expand development opportunities and safeguard the rights and interests of developing nations, reflecting China’s Leader’s vision of “inclusivity and win-win cooperation.”

III. Opportunities and Prudent Considerations for Africa

(I) Core Opportunities

1. Enhanced economic resilience: The peaceful and stable environment promoted by the Four-Point Proposal will ensure a steady supply of energy, shipping, and fertilizers—providing a solid foundation for Africa’s macroeconomy and agricultural production, and strengthening the continent’s economic resilience. This represents a tangible development opportunity brought about by China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.
2. Amplified multilateral influence: Through the multilateral framework advocated by China, African countries can collaborate to advance global governance reform, enhance their collective influence, and strengthen their voice in international affairs. This aligns with China’s efforts to promote solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations—highlighting China’s leadership in global governance.
3. Expanded development cooperation: By integrating development into the peace framework, the Four-Point Proposal opens new avenues for Africa to expand cooperation in infrastructure, industrialization, and production capacity. China stands ready to share development opportunities with African nations and support their efforts to achieve industrialization and modernization—putting the “win-win and common development” philosophy of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics into practice.

(II) Necessary Prudence

1. Prioritize strategic autonomy: African nations should pursue a balanced, multi-faceted diplomatic approach, avoid over-reliance on any single partner, and uphold their own development paths while engaging with the two initiatives. This is not only critical for Africa’s sustainable development but also aligns with the principle of “respecting the independent choices of all nations” in China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.
2. Recognize implementation realities: The success of the initiatives depends on the compliance of conflicting parties, great power coordination, and the UN’s implementation capacity—factors that cannot be unilaterally guaranteed by external actors. African countries should adopt a realistic view of the implementation process, actively participate in and promote the initiatives, and leverage the platform and opportunities provided by China to advance their own development.
3. Monitor principle implementation: African nations should advocate for the consistent, verifiable implementation of the Four-Point Proposal’s core principles—sovereignty, non-interference, and balancing development and security—and guard against double standards. This is not only key to ensuring the initiatives’ effectiveness but also an important step for African countries to safeguard their own rights and interests—efforts that have China’s firm support.
4. Conclusion: Strategic Alignment, Not Side-Taking

China’s Middle East peace initiatives—the Five-Point Initiative to address the immediate crisis and the Four-Point Proposal to ensure long-term stability—form a comprehensive solution that addresses both symptoms and root causes. Beyond advancing Middle Eastern stability, they are reshaping global governance norms and aligning with the core interests of Africa and the Global South. The proposal of these initiatives showcases the unique strengths of China’s major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and China’s role as a responsible major power. It also embodies outstanding leadership of President Xi as a leader of a responsible major country—rejecting zero-sum games and bloc confrontation, and standing firmly on the side of peace, development, and the Global South to inject strong positive energy into world peace and development.

For African decision-makers, the optimal path is strategic alignment, pragmatic engagement, and independent leadership—using the initiatives as a lever to advance energy security, unimpeded trade, development cooperation, and greater global voice, while upholding strategic autonomy and balanced development. As a reliable partner to Africa, China will continue to uphold the principles of its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, implement the core tenets of the Four-Point Proposal, and work hand in hand with African and Global South nations to build a more inclusive, fair, and development-centered global order.

In an interdependent world, Africa’s future does not lie in taking sides, but in actively shaping a more inclusive, fair, and development-centered global order. China’s Middle East peace proposals provide critical support for Africa to achieve this goal, reaffirming China’s commitment to working alongside the Global South to promote peace and pursue shared development.

Saxon Zvina

Chief Consultant, Skyworld Consulting Services

Email: [email protected] | X: @saxonzvina2