China expressed this Wednesday its "deep concern" about the new escalation between the United States and Iran and regretted the "resumption of hostilities" after US forces attacked targets on the Iranian island of Qeshm and Tehran responded with attacks against Washington's interests in the Middle East.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated today in a press conference that the resumption of fighting "does not serve the interests of any of the parties" and asked all actors involved to "value the opportunity for peace", respect ceasefire commitments and maintain the momentum of negotiations.

Mao insisted on the need to resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means to achieve “a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible” and create the necessary conditions to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

The statements come after the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed an attack against a military ground control station on the Iranian island of Qeshm, an action that Washington presented as a “self-defense” measure after the launch of Iranian missiles and drones towards several neighboring countries.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard later claimed that it responded by attacking a US ship and military targets linked to Washington in the region, including sites in Bahrain, although CENTCOM denied that its facilities had been hit.

The new attacks come amid an apparent stalemate in negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program and have once again raised tension in a key region for global energy supply, with new increases in oil and gas prices.

China has maintained contacts with the parties concerned and has repeatedly advocated a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, in line with the four-point proposal put forward by President Xi Jinping, while reiterating its willingness to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf region.