BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the situation in the Gulf region, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing, urging the relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, stop acts of hostilities and resume contact and dialogue.

An Iranian staff member works at South Pars gas field near the southern Iranian port of Assalouyeh, Iran, Aug. 23, 2016. (File photo: Xinhua)