China hopes free and safe passage will be restored through the Strait of Hormuz at an early date, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for international navigation, Lin said at a daily news briefing, adding that restoring stability in the strait serves the common interests of the countries in the region and the international community.

China has noted that the first-phase memorandum of understanding reached between Iran and the United States includes provisions on reopening the strait, he said.

China is ready to maintain communication with countries in the region and the international community on relevant issues, Lin added.