Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that China was “deeply distressed” over the war in the Middle East that has lasted more than two months and said a “comprehensive ceasefire" was needed.

China’s top diplomat met with Araghchi in Beijing, the first time the Iranian foreign minister travelled to China since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran started on February 28.

Wang called on the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible" and said China defends Iran's "legitimate right" to "peaceful use of nuclear energy".

“We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed, that a resumption of hostilities is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations,” he said, according to a video of the meeting.

Wang's call came as French shipping company CMA CGM said one of its vessels had been targeted by an attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The CMA CGM San Antonio was the target of an attack yesterday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries among crew members and damage to the vessel," the shipping firm said in a statement, adding those injured had been evacuated for treatment.

The Maltese-flagged vessel was attacked a day after US President Donald Trump launched the so-called "Project Freedom" to help vessels leave the Strait of Hormuz.

On Tuesday, Trump said he was halting the US military operation to escort ships through the vital strait, in a bid to reach a deal with Iran to end the war. (Agencies)


Edited by Tony Sabine