China has contacted Iran directly to persuade Tehran to agree to a temporary ceasefire with the United States, the Associated Press reported.
According to the agency, Chinese officials have been in contact with Iranian authorities to facilitate the establishment of a truce. Beijing, according to the agency, initially tried to act through intermediaries, including Islamabad, Ankara and Cairo.
Beijing has actively supported Pakistani efforts. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart presented a joint five-point plan for de-escalation and humanitarian assistance.
China sent its special representative for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, for direct consultations in the region.
Together with Russia, China vetoed Security Council resolutions it considered unbalanced or aggravating the situation, urging a political solution rather than military pressure.