China on Thursday called on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, and to work toward de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a fire caused by Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 8, 2026. So far, the Israeli strike on Wednesday across Lebanon has killed at least 254 people and injured 1,165 others, with densely populated neighborhoods in the capital, Beirut, among the hardest hit, according to the latest data provided by the Lebanese Civil Defense. (Photo: Xinhua)

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Beijing when asked to comment on Israel's large-scale attack in Lebanon.

The Israeli army struck more than 100 sites within 10 minutes in Lebanon on Wednesday, hours after a US-Iran truce came into effect. Following the attacks, Lebanon declared a national day of mourning set for Thursday, while Iran said the action violated the ceasefire agreement and then announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Mao stated that Lebanon's sovereignty and security must not be violated, and that the lives and property of civilians must be effectively protected.

China called on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, and to work toward de-escalating tensions in the region, she added.