Wang Yi spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

BEIJING, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, spoke by telephone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on April 5 at the latter's request, exchanging views on the current situation in the Middle East.

Lavrov stated that Russia is highly concerned about the continued escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Regarding the current fighting and the Strait of Hormuz issue, Russia maintains that military action must be immediately halted, and the conflict must return to the political and diplomatic track to address its root causes. The UN Security Council should play a constructive role in this regard. Russia is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China and continue to advocate for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.

Wang Yi stated that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia should uphold fairness on major issues of principle, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and strive for greater understanding and support from the international community. China has always advocated for the political resolution of international and regional hotspots through dialogue and negotiation. Currently, the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, and the fighting is escalating. The fundamental solution to the issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. China is willing to continue cooperating with Russia in the UN Security Council, communicating promptly on major issues, and making efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain regional peace and stability and global security.