Halting military operations as soon as possible is the key point now to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

File photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mao made the remarks at a routine press conference in Beijing in response to a question asking whether China is considering or will consider establishing international cooperation to ensure the safe passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, an arrangement the international community looks forward to.

"All parties should make efforts toward this and China is also willing to continue playing a role in this regard," she said.

The spokesperson stressed that the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are an international cargo and energy channel of great importance. Relevant parties are closely watching whether peace and stability can be restored to the strait and navigation resumed as soon as possible.