President Xi Jinping on Wednesday stressed that all hostilities in the Middle East must end immediately, renewed fighting should be avoided, and most importantly, negotiation should continue.

Xi made the remarks when meeting in Beijing with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi said the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region is at a critical juncture between war and peace.

An early end to the conflict will help reduce disruptions to the stability of energy supplies, the functioning of industrial and supply chains, and the international trade order, he said.

Xi said his four propositions on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East is aimed at further building consensus in the international community and contributing to efforts to de-escalate tensions, stop the fighting and promote peace.