China maintains that on the basis of sustaining the ceasefire in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz should be reopened as soon as possible, and it believes that the fundamental solution to issues concerning the strait lies in the realization of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

He also said that China encourages the United States and Iran to continue resolving their differences and disputes, including those related to the nuclear issue, through negotiations.

Wang made the remarks when briefing the media on the just-concluded meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing.

Also on Friday, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that China will continue to work with the international community to provide stronger support for peace talks and play a constructive role in promoting lasting peace in the Middle East.

"China always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the right way forward, and the use of force is a dead end," the spokesperson said.

Emphasizing that "there is no point in continuing this conflict, which should not have happened in the first place", the spokesperson noted that the conflict has caused serious losses to people in Iran and other countries in the region, with its spillover effects continuing to expand.

The spokesperson noted that the recent ceasefire between the US and Iran, along with efforts to explore a negotiated settlement, has been welcomed by countries in the region and by the international community.

Since the conflict started in late February, China has worked actively to stop the fighting and promote peace.

President Xi has put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, while China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Foreign Minister Wang said China and the US hope that the crisis can come to an early end. Both countries are willing to maintain communication over the Ukraine crisis and play a constructive role in working for its political settlement, he added.

Contact the writer at zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn