BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are important international trade channels for goods and energy, urging relevant parties to immediately stop military operations to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing, in response to a query about the military strikes against Iran jointly launched by the United States and Israel.

Previously, Iranian media reported that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps had closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, declaring the vital oil and gas waterway unsafe due to U.S. and Israeli attacks. ■