As Chinese President Xi Jinping was reported to have conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump at the U.S.-China summit on the 14th that he would be willing to support the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said regarding the situation in Iran that "shipping lanes should be reopened as soon as possible and a comprehensive cease-fire should be reached swiftly."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the morning of the 15th on its website, "China's position on the situation in Iran is very clear," adding this. The Spokesperson said, "This war, which should never have happened in the first place, has no need to continue. Finding a prompt way out is in the interests of both the United States and Iran."
It went on, "China has consistently believed that dialogue and negotiation are the right path and that there is no solution through force," adding, "Once the door to dialogue is open, it should not be closed again. We must steadily maintain the momentum of de-escalation and adhere to the overall direction of a political settlement, and through dialogue and negotiation, we should devise a solution that takes into account the concerns of all parties surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue and other matters."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted China's role as a mediator. The Spokesperson said, "President Xi put forward, in solemn terms, four propositions to safeguard and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and China and Pakistan proposed five items for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East," adding, "China will continue, together with the international community, to provide greater impetus to peace talks and to play a constructive role in realizing lasting peace in the Middle East."
Earlier, President Trump said in a Fox News interview, "He (President Xi) wants the Strait of Hormuz opened. He said, 'If there is any way I can help, I would like to help.'" He added, "He said he would not give (Iran) military equipment. He said it strongly." However, as these were excerpts of Trump's remarks released in a trailer-style edit, more specific details are to be released on the evening of the 14th Eastern time in the United States.