China has called on relevant parties to act with prudence and avoid escalation of tensions, while pledging to continue efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The remark came after?United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday urged China to intensify its diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

Relevant parties should resolve disputes through dialogue and restore peace and tranquility in the strait, the ministry's spokesman Lin Jian told a daily news conference.

China will continue to make efforts to protect the safety and security of Chinese ships and crew, he said.