Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing believes a solution to issues in the Strait of Hormuz “lies in achieving a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire” between Washington and Tehran, Al Jazeera reports.

In comments shared by China’s official Xinhua news agency, Wang says President Xi Jinping emphasised in his talks with US President Donald Trump “that force cannot solve problems and dialogue is the only right path”.

“Negotiations will not be achieved overnight, but once the door to dialogue has been opened, it should not be closed again,” Wang adds.

“China has been working diligently to promote peace talks and will continue to play its role in pushing for a swift end to the fighting and restoring peace in the Middle East.”