BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that China calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and efforts toward a political solution, and supports Gulf countries in taking the future of the region in their own hands.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Al Thani briefed the Chinese side on the regional situation and the position of Qatar, stressing that Qatar has had to undertake necessary measures of self-defense while stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent the crisis from spreading and escalating.

He also expressed appreciation for China's fair and just position and its mediation efforts, and voiced hope that China will play a greater role in promoting a ceasefire and ending the hostilities.

For his part, Wang said that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, has always adhered to principles and upheld fairness and justice in international affairs.

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The US-Israeli military operations against Iran, without authorization from the Security Council, clearly violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, said Wang.

Meanwhile, China does not approve of expanding the scope of strikes and condemns indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets, said Wang, adding that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf Arab countries should be respected.

Noting that the continuation of the war brings all harm and no benefit and will only cause greater losses for all parties concerned, Wang said that China will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and restoring peace in its own way.  

‘US, Israel halting military operations key to preventing escalation’ 

Wang Yi also stressed that the key to preventing further escalation of the situation regarding Iran lies in the United States and Israel halting their military operations, and that China does not approve of attacks on Gulf countries and condemns all attacks on civil facilities and innocent civilians.

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He made the remarks in a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Dar briefed Wang on Pakistan's position on the current situation in Iran and called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the current crisis through peaceful negotiations.

The Pakistani side commends China's efforts to de-escalate the situation and is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with China through platforms including the United Nations (UN) to jointly seek effective ways to achieve peace.

For his part, Wang said that China and Pakistan, as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, have a fine tradition of communicating and coordinating on major international and regional issues.

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Both sides promptly stated their firm positions on the situation in Iran, demonstrating a responsible attitude and compliance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Wang said, adding that the war against Iran lacks legitimacy and legality, and prolonging it will only bring more senseless casualties.

China appreciates Pakistan's mediation efforts, and is willing to maintain close multilateral and bilateral coordination and cooperation with Pakistan, support its continued constructive role and jointly promote an early restoration of peace and stability in the region, said Wang.

The two sides also discussed recent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Wang noted that China's special envoy on Afghan affairs is actively shuttling between the two countries to promote dialogue and reconciliation, and stressed that the urgent task is to prevent further escalation and return to negotiations as soon as possible.

China firmly supports Pakistan's fight against terrorism and hopes that Pakistan will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the country, added Wang.

Dar thanked China for its mediation efforts, stressing that Pakistan attaches great importance to and will fully ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions.