BEIJING – Iran on Monday expressed its willingness to strengthen coordination with China to cool down regional tensions through diplomatic means, as China’s top diplomat called for an immediate, complete and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages in talks with his Israeli counterpart.

Talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi over the phone, Wang Yi said China will continue to demonstrate a sense of duty as a responsible major country and play a constructive role in promoting the cooling down of the conflict.

Saying that Iran is deeply concerned about the risk of an overall escalation of the current regional situation, the Iranian minister stressed that Teheran does not want to see a further expansion of the conflict.

Iran highly values China's influence in international affairs and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to cool down the situation through diplomatic means, he said, adding that Israel should avoid taking risks and proceed cautiously.

Pointing out that the negative impacts of the current Gaza conflict are clearly spilling over, and regional tensions are escalating continuously, Wang called on all parties to make more efforts to safeguard regional peace and stability.

China will proceed from the merits of the issue, strengthen communication among all parties, build a broader international consensus, and pool the strengths of all parties, he said.

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He said Beijing is pleased to see the Iranian government carry out mediation diplomacy, enhance understanding with relevant parties and improve relations with regional countries.

Wang also said China supports the historic reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and is willing to jointly push for a positive outcome from the second meeting of the China-Iran-Saudi Arabia Trilateral Joint Committee to consolidate the momentum of reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and inject positive energy into regional peace and stability.

Immediate, permanent ceasefire

While talking to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz over the phone the same day, the Chinese diplomat reiterated the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Stressing that the international community is deeply worried about the prolonged escalation of conflict in the Middle East, Wang said the humanitarian disaster in Gaza must end and that countering violence with violence cannot truly address the legitimate concerns of all parties.

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Pointing out that the conflict in Gaza has once again demonstrated that the Palestinian question remains a core issue in the Middle East, he said the voices of the international community are clear, which hope all parties return to the political path of a "two-state solution" as soon as possible.

Doing so would realize the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine and the harmonious coexistence of the Jewish and Arab peoples. This is the right way to achieve stability and lasting security for all parties, including Israel, he added.

China is highly concerned about the tension between Israel and Iran and believes that renewed conflict and turmoil in the region serves the interests of no one, he said.

He urged all parties to proceed with caution to prevent falling into a vicious circle, adding that China is not interested in the Middle East for its own interest and never engages in geopolitical contests.

Stressing that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is mandated by Security Council resolutions to carry out peacekeeping missions, he said Israel should take concrete measures to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel.

On China-Israel relations, Katz said the Israeli government abides by its consistent position on the Taiwan question.

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Wang said China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Israel and is willing to resume exchanges in all aspects as soon as possible when the situation eases and promote the sustainable development of the innovative comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

He expressed his hopes that the Israeli side will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and nationals in Israel.