China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who discussed the war in the Middle East with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand by phone on Thursday, has said that the international community should encourage the United States and Iran to return to negotiations.

Wang said both Washington and Tehran have shown a willingness to resume talks, adding that China and Canada can play a constructive role in helping the two sides return to the negotiating table and seek a political settlement.

He stressed that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and should not become a pretext for the use of force. The abuse of force, he said, will only lead to serious repercussions, while any spillover of the conflict would threaten regional security and stability.

Anand said the Iranian nuclear issue is an international one and that ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of all parties.

She said Canada is committed to protecting civilians, promoting de-escalation, preventing the conflict from spreading, and reducing its impact on the global economy and industrial and supply chains.

Canada is willing to work with China to promote peace talks, help end the fighting, and push for peace and stability in the region, she added.

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