China's Wang Yi, US' Rubio discuss Mideast situation after Beijing visit by Iran's Araghchi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the Middle East situation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call Thursday, a day after hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.

The call came ahead of a planned meeting next week in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Beijing and Washington are preparing “for the next stage of high-level exchanges in a spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit," Wang told Rubio, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.

He added that the two sides should strengthen communication, advance cooperation, “manage differences, respect each other's core interests, and send a positive message that the two countries are committed to advancing a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability and jointly promoting world peace and development.”

Wang said that bilateral ties “have for some time generally moved forward along the track of constructive strategic stability charted by the two heads of state, which helps meet the expectations of the international community.”

During talks with Araghchi, Wang said China "encourages Iran and the United States to stay rational and exercise restraint," and urged them to quickly return to the framework deal that they reached this June.

He also urged all parties to "take effective measures to open the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible."