China and Pakistan called on Tuesday for an immediate end to the war in the Middle East, and for peace talks as soon as possible, as they agreed to boost their cooperation on Iran. "China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks,

The move comes as Pakistan has been positioning itself as a mediator and has offered to host peace talks between the US and Iran.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan and China late on Tuesday announced a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East, as Islamabad seeks to strengthen its mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran by bringing Beijing into the process.

For a country long dismissed by India as merely a conduit between adversaries, the moment marks a notable shift. New Delhi has been openly sceptical of Islamabad styling itself as a mediator

Jointly call for ceasefire, peace talks; urge civilian protection, safe shipping as Beijing eyes larger Middle East