China says that avoiding a return to hostilities in the Middle East is a “top priority” in its diplomatic efforts with countries in the region.

Beijing has stepped up efforts in recent days to resolve the eight-month-long crisis after US President Donald Trump issued a fresh war threat against Iran over the weekend.

“The top priority is to avoid the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East that would bring disaster to the region’s people,” Beijing’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has told a news conference.

Beijing will “support Iran and the US in resolving disputes through negotiations, promote finding a political settlement to the Yemen issue, to help reach a proper and comprehensive solution for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz”, she has added.