China has consistently upheld an objective, impartial, and balanced position since the outbreak of the Iran war, working to promote a ceasefire and end hostilities, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to a question on the ongoing escalation of the conflict, continued exchanges of attacks, and growing concerns over a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Mao pointed out the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, with fighting escalating and posing serious risks to the global economy and energy security, drawing widespread concern from the international community.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone conversations with counterparts from Iran, Israel, Russia, and Gulf countries, among others, Mao noted. Meanwhile, the Chinese government's special envoy on Middle East affairs has engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region, she added.

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Not long ago, China and Pakistan jointly proposed a five-point initiative, reflecting broad international consensus on promoting peace and ending the conflict, Mao stressed.

The spokesperson also said that military means cannot bring peace, and that a political solution is the only viable way forward.

She reiterated that the root cause of the Iran conflict lies in the use of force against Iran by the United States and Israel in violation of international law.

"The immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire, end hostilities, and return to the track of dialogue and negotiation, so as to fundamentally resolve the issue and restore peace and stability in the Gulf region," Mao said.

All parties should demonstrate sincerity and work to bring an early end to this war that should not have happened, she added.