China is urging the U.S. not to abuse force, but instead seek solutions through dialogue. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remark in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday. 

"The dangerous U.S. military operation violates the basic norms of international relations and will aggravate regional tensions and turbulence," Wang said, referring to the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq on Friday. 

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A U.S. drone strike killed Soleimani, head of the Quds Force, Iran's foreign operations arm, before dawn on Friday in Baghdad. Iran promised "severe revenge" in response. 

"China opposes the use of force in international relations. There is no way out for military means, nor for extreme pressure," Wang said. 

Zarif briefed Wang on Iran's stance on the attack that killed Soleimani and said he hopes that China can play an important role in preventing the escalation of regional tensions. 

Wang said China will uphold an objective and fair position and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East Gulf region. 

On the same day, Wang also exchanged views on the U.S. airstrike with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. 

Le Drian stressed that France is opposed to the use of force in international relations and believes that Iraq's territorial sovereignty should be respected.  

He said under the current circumstances, it is important to maintain the Iran nuclear deal, adding that France hopes to communicate closely with China and play an active role in preventing tensions in the region. 

Wang said both China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council and shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining world peace and stability.  

Both parties must strengthen strategic communication, play a constructive role, jointly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, and jointly oppose any unilateral acts of using force, Wang said.