President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for all parties in the Middle East, but "especially Israel", to stop hostilities in a phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

"Parties to the conflict, especially Israel, should cease hostilities as soon as possible to prevent a cyclical escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war," Xi said, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Xi said a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was the "top priority" during the call.

"Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority. Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes," Xi said, according to Xinhua.

The president also called on all parties to strictly follow international law, and avoid harming innocent civilians.

Dialogue and negotiations are the fundamental way out, he said – calling on the international community, particularly major countries that have a special influence on the parties to the conflict – to make efforts to cool down the situation.

The Kremlin said both leaders "strongly condemn Israel's actions, which violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law".

"Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran's nuclear programme," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters. (Agencies)
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Last updated: 2025-06-19 HKT 20:56