BEIJING -- China will continue to strengthen communication with all relevant parties on the Iran issue, including those directly involved in the conflict, and play a constructive role in easing tensions and restoring peace, China's Foreign Ministry said here Wednesday.

The ministry's spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular news briefing that since the outbreak of the conflict, China has called for a ceasefire and a return to dialogue and negotiations, adhering to a political solution, adding that the special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue is currently making shuttle-diplomacy trips across the region.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a sincere friend of countries in the Middle East, China will continue to advance efforts for peace and uphold the voice of fairness and justice without pause, he said.