China on Monday called for the early restoration of safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran announced on Sunday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz amid a new exchange of strikes with the United States.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a strait used for international navigation. Restoring safe and free passage through the strait as soon as possible serves the interests of all parties," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news briefing.

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The issue of navigation through the strait should be properly handled, with the international community's widespread concerns addressed in a prudent manner, Lin said.

"China is willing to maintain communication with relevant countries and the international community on the matter," he added.