Beijing: China on Monday emphasized the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its effect on global energy routes, reiterating the need for an immediate end to the military conflict in the Middle East. 'The recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters impacted the route of international goods and energy, damaged regional and global peace and stability,' stated Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in response to a question by Anadolu.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lin renewed Beijing's call for all parties to cease military escalation as the Middle East conflict enters its third week. Lin urged the warring factions to avoid further escalation and prevent regional disturbances from having a larger impact on the global economic outlook. 'We are in communication on the situation with all sides,' he added.

The conflict has intensified since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in approximately 1,300 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Iran has also effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz since early March, causing a surge in global oil prices.

Amid the ongoing hostilities, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has engaged in discussions with several top diplomats from Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Israel, urging a cessation of the armed conflict. While Beijing opposes the joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, it has also urged Tehran to consider the "reasonable concerns" of its neighboring countries.