Beijing [China], May 15 (ANI): The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday reiterated Beijing's support for dialogue and political settlement over the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, saying 'the use of force is a dead end' and urging all sides to maintain momentum toward de-escalation in West Asia.

https://x.com/MFA_China/status/2055122353609474430

Responding to a question on whether the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the US President Donald Trump discussed Iran during Trump's visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing's position on the issues was 'very clear.'

'The conflict has inflicted severe losses on the people in Iran and other regional countries. With the spillover still expanding, the conflict has put a heavy strain on global economic growth, supply chains, international trade order and the stability of global energy supply, which hurts the common interests of the international community,' the spokesperson said.

'There is no point in continuing this conflict, which should not have happened in the first place,' the spokesperson added, saying an early resolution was in the interests of the US, Iran and regional countries and the wider international community.

China welcomed the recent ceasefire efforts and diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, stating that 'dialogue and negotiation is the right way forward, and the use of force is a dead end.'

'Now that the door of dialogue has been opened, it should not be shut again,' the spokesperson said, while urging parties to 'steady the momentum in easing the situation, keep to the direction of political settlement, engage in dialogue and consultation, and reach a settlement on the Iranian nuclear issue and other issues that accommodates the concerns of all parties.'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also stressed the need to restore maritime trade routes and maintain global supply chain stability.

'It is important to reopen the shipping lanes as soon as possible to respond to the call of the international community and jointly keep the global supply chains stable and unimpeded,' the statement said.

Calling for a 'comprehensive and lasting ceasefire,' Beijing said peace and stability should return to West Asia and the Gulf region ' at an early date.'

The spokesperson added that since the conflict began, China had been working to end hostilities and promote peace. Beijing also referenced the ' four propositions' put forward by Xi Jinping on safeguarding peace and stability in West Asia, alongwith a five-point initiative jointly issued by China and Pakistan aimed at restoring peace in the Gulf and West Asian region.

China, the spokesperson said, would continue to work with the international community to support peace talks and play a 'constructive role in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.' (ANI)