China on Tuesday warned that escalating conflict in the Middle East is threatening global economic stability and energy security, as it reiterated its commitment to an "objective, impartial and balanced" role in pushing for an immediate cease-fire.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning (Photo: Global Times)

"Since the outbreak of the conflicts, China has always upheld an objective, impartial and balanced stance in promoting a cease-fire," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference in Beijing. "Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with various parties, including Iran, Israel, Russia and Gulf countries, and the special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue has shuttled through the region for mediation."

Not long ago, China and Pakistan put forward a five-point initiative for the Gulf and Middle East region reflecting the international community's common consensus on promoting peace and ending the conflict, Mao said.

"Peace cannot be achieved through force," she said. "A political settlement is the only way forward."

The root cause was the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran in violation of international law.

"The top priority is to immediately cease hostilities, return to the track of dialogue and negotiation, address the root causes of the problem and restore peace and stability in the Gulf region,” Mao said. "All parties should demonstrate sincerity and end this war, which should never have happened, as soon as possible."

(Compiled by Wang Ruofan)