China expressed serious concern over the current situation involving Iran on Thursday and strongly urged relevant parties to immediately stop military actions and return to dialogue and negotiation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news conference as the United States and Iran traded air attacks for a second straight day on Thursday.

China is seriously concerned about the current situation, Lin said, adding that the use of force will only make the situation worse, and that military means cannot resolve the fundamental issues.

He said the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries in the region should be respected and upheld.

"China strongly urges relevant parties to immediately cease military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, respond to mediation efforts by relevant countries, and work toward an early, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire," Lin said.