China said on Wednesday that it will continue to play a constructive role in helping restore peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, after US President Donald Trump said China had helped bring Iran to the negotiating table.

At a regular news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that since the conflict involving Iran broke out, China has been actively working to promote peace and a ceasefire.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with relevant parties, and China's special envoy on the Middle East issue has traveled to the region in mediation efforts, she said.

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She added that China and Pakistan had jointly proposed a five-point initiative on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.

As a responsible major country, China will continue to play a constructive role and make contributions to restoring peace and security in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, Mao said.

China has also welcomed the announcement that Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, and voiced support for mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan.

Mao noted that China has consistently called for an end to hostilities, and for disputes to be resolved through political and diplomatic means so as to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

Mao said China supports the mediation efforts undertaken by Pakistan and other countries, and that it has also made its own efforts in this regard.

She also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for international trade in goods and energy, and that maintaining security, stability and unimpeded passage in the area serves the common interests of the international community. China hopes all parties will work together to help normal navigation return to the strait at an early date, Mao added. 

Mao was responding to a question on reports that Iran plans to levy shipping fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.