Zhai Jun, the Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue, will travel to the Middle East as part of efforts to help de-escalate tensions, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing, noting that China has recently stepped up diplomatic efforts in response to the current situation.

She said China believes that war and the use of force cannot fundamentally resolve problems, and that dialogue and negotiation remain the correct path to addressing disputes. Political and diplomatic means, she stressed, should be pursued to resolve differences.

China will continue to maintain communication with all relevant parties — including those directly involved in the conflict — strengthen mediation efforts, and work to build broader consensus, she added.