ISTANBUL

China on Thursday called on all parties to conflict in the Middle East to promote the “end of the war,” warning of more casualties if the conflict continues.

“If the war continues, it will bring more casualties and loss, and lead to more spillover of the situation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing. “The war does not serve anyone’s interests.”

“The pressing priority now is to actively promote peace talks, seize the opportunities for peace, and promote the end of the war,” said Lin.

He said China “supports all efforts conducive to de-escalation. All parties need to work in the same direction and create conditions for starting true peace negotiations that are meaningful and sincere.”

China, he added, is ready to continue playing a “constructive role to this end.”

On US President Donald Trump’s delayed trip to China, Lin said that head of state diplomacy plays an “irreplaceable role” in bilateral ties between the two nations.

The two sides “are in communication with regard to President Trump’s visit to China.”

The trip, originally scheduled for March 31 to April 2, was delayed as Trump said he would stay in Washington due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Announcing new dates for the trip, the White House Wednesday said Trump will fly to Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping on May 14-15.