ISTANBUL

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday warned of the impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy and trade, while urging an end to the ongoing military operations in the region.

The current conflict not only "undermines regional peace and stability," but also "directly affects international energy, finance, trade, and shipping," harming the shared interests of all countries, he said during a phone call with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"There would be no winners in a prolonged conflict," while a ceasefire and an end to hostilities mirror the common aspiration of the international community, he added, urging all parties to "immediately halt" military operations, resolve differences through "equal dialogue," and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the UK bear the responsibility for "upholding international peace and security," Wang noted.

He urged the two sides to enhance communication, act in a manner conducive to peace, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, as well as prevent "further damage to the international order and the foundations of global peace."

Meanwhile, Cooper said that "in the face of an increasingly turbulent world," London hopes to "maintain close communication with China, promote an early end to the conflict, restart diplomatic negotiations, and seek a long-term solution."

Wang and Cooper also discussed bilateral ties and agreed on the need to "actively implement the common understandings" reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen exchanges, and continue to advance "the long-term, consistent comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to provide stability and certainty to a world marked by turbulence and transformation."

Wang’s statement came after an Israeli airstrike targeted the Iranian side of the South Pars gas field Wednesday, halting production at two major refineries. Iran retaliated, targeting energy facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.