BEIJING: China on Monday called for an immediate cease-fire and cessation of violence in the Middle East, aiming to restore stability in the volatile region.

According to Anadolu Agency, China's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized Beijing's commitment to promoting stability in the Middle East through a cease-fire and the end of hostilities. She highlighted the importance of alleviating the humanitarian crisis and pursuing a political solution through dialogue and negotiation.

Addressing questions about China's role in fostering peace, Mao outlined China's contributions over the past year, including facilitating the UN Security Council's first resolution on a cease-fire in Gaza. China has also supported Palestinian reconciliation and the signing of the Beijing Declaration, as well as providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mao further stated that China advocates for Lebanon in multilateral forums, advances Saudi-Iranian reconciliation, and encourages regional countries to resolve differences through inclusiveness, cooperation, and mutual trust.

On Saturday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, after meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, reiterated that the Middle East should belong to its people and not become a "battleground for big power games" or a stage for geopolitical rivalries.

Wang and Araghchi also stressed the need to address the Palestinian issue by respecting and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ending the occupation.