China renewed its call for a lasting ceasefire in the Iran war after U.S. President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered to help find a way to resolve the conflict.

China’s foreign ministry said concerning the Strait of Hormuz, that shipping routes should be reopened as soon as possible.

A comprehensive and permanent ceasefire is needed to advance the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region, it added.

“This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue. Finding a solution sooner is beneficial to both the U.S. and Iran, as well as to countries in the region and the world as a whole,” the ministry said.

Mr Trump told Fox News in an interview that Xi had expressed support for a negotiated settlement and offered assistance.

“He would like to see a deal made,” the U.S. president said, adding: “And he did offer; he said, ‘if I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help.’”

China’s foreign ministry did not directly comment on Mr Trump’s remarks.

China has remained the largest buyer of Iranian oil even with U.S. sanctions in place, but shipments have come to a halt since the start of the conflict because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

(dpa/NAN)