China has denounced further military escalation in the Middle East during the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, Al Jazeera reports.

“The Chinese side firmly opposes any actions that escalate tensions in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian tells reporters in Beijing.

“China consistently maintains that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern Gulf countries should be earnestly respected, and that civilians and nonmilitary targets should be protected,” says Lin.

He adds that the “immediate priority is to achieve an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, prevent further escalation of the conflict, and halt the spread of hostilities”.