China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has described military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran as “illegitimate” during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Beijing, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Al Jazeera reports.

Wang stated that the Middle East is at a “decisive turning point” and that a comprehensive ceasefire is “indispensable” for regional stability.

He also reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to de-escalation efforts and said direct dialogue between the two sides is essential, Tasnim reports.