Ruptly
"Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that Beijing supports continued diplomacy to secure a 'lasting ceasefire' in the Middle East, as uncertainty continues to cloud talks between the US and Iran despite a truce extension. “The current situation in the region is at a critical stage of whether the conflict can end. The pressing priority is to prevent, by all means, a relapse in fighting,” he said. “China supports relevant parties in continuing the political and diplomatic effort to resolve disputes with the aim of realising a full and lasting ceasefire and keeping the Middle East and Gulf region peaceful and stable,” he added. Guo said Beijing was ready to work with the international community, referencing President Xi Jinping's 'four-point proposition' to play an 'active and constructive role'. The comments come after US President Donald Trump said he would extend the ceasefire to allow more time for Tehran to put forward a proposal, while maintaining his naval blockade on Iranian ports. “I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he wrote in a social media post. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the move, while Iranian officials signalled a more cautious stance. Tehran has described US actions in the Strait of Hormuz as an act of war, indicating it will observe the ceasefire only in line with its 'national interests'. Plans for a new round of talks in Islamabad remain uncertain. While Washington confirmed its delegation would attend, Iranian state media reported that Tehran has declined to participate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said 'no final decision' had been made, citing “contradictory messages and conflicting behaviour from the Americans." The first round of negotiations, held on April 11 following a conditional two-week ceasefire agreed on April 8, ended without a breakthrough. The conflict has already caused significant disruption, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for around one-fifth of global oil supplies, contributing to volatility in global energy markets."
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