Beijing: China on Monday urged the international community to step up efforts to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Iran from impacting global trade routes via sea, following Sunday's US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. 'The Persian Gulf and nearby waters are important routes for international trade and goods and energy,' China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated during a live-streamed news conference in Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guo emphasized the importance of maintaining regional safety and stability, which serves the common interests of the international community. He called for efforts to 'promote de-escalation of the conflict, to prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic growth.' This statement came after the Iranian parliament reached a consensus on Sunday to potentially close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil transport.

Maj. Gen. Esmaeil Kowsari, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Commission, noted that any final decision regarding the Strait of Hormuz closure lies with the Supreme National Security Council. In response to these developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Beijing to dissuade Tehran from blocking the strait.

Guo mentioned that Beijing is in communication with Iran and other involved parties, while urging UN Security Council members to support a draft resolution by Russia, China, and Pakistan that seeks an immediate ceasefire. He criticized the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as a serious violation of the UN Charter's purposes and principles, stating that Washington's actions have increased tensions in the Middle East.

Guo also cautioned against the 'spillover of the battlefield' and reiterated China's willingness to contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East. He highlighted that China has evacuated 3,125 citizens from Iran and 500 from Israel, expressing gratitude to regional nations, including Trkiye, for their support.