China on Monday urged parties to the conflict in the Middle East to immediately cease military operations and return to dialogue and consultation.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a routine press briefing in response to a query, after the US side threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours.

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Produced by Ye Qianyu

"The flames of conflict in the Middle East are still spreading and spilling over," Lin said. "If the fighting continues to expand and the situation escalates further, the entire region will fall into an uncontrollable state.

"The use of force will only lead to a vicious cycle," Lin said.

China strongly urges all parties to stop military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, and not allow this war ‒ which should not have started in the first place ‒ to continue, Lin noted.