China urged relevant parties on Thursday to immediately stop military operations in the Middle East to avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent regional turmoil from undermining global economic growth.

At least 16 ships and fuel oil tankers have been attacked by Iran since the fighting in the region began, Reuters reported.

Calling the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters an important route for international trade of goods and energy, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stressed that security and stability in the region serve the common interests of the international community.