Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged views on U.S.-Iran tensions with Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, in a phone call on Saturday.

Wang said China is highly concerned about the current situation in the Gulf and opposes the excessive use of force in international relations. 

China maintains that all parties should earnestly abide by the purposes of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, that Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected, and peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region should be maintained, Wang noted. 

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have important responsibilities to international peace and security, Wang said, calling for the two sides to strengthen strategic communication, jointly uphold international law, international equity and justice, and play a responsible role in properly handling the current situation in the Middle East. 

Echoing Wang's stance on the issue, Lavrov said the U.S. act violates international law and should be condemned.  

Russia stands against grossly trampling on other country's sovereignty, especially through unilateral military operations, he said. 

Russia will work in close coordination with China to play a constructive role in preventing escalation of regional tensions, Lavrov added.

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