BEIJING, June 16. /TASS/. The use of military force cannot bring lasting peace to the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng said, commenting on the exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran.

"The parties should immediately intensify efforts to de-escalate the conflict and ease tensions. Resort to [military] force is not the path to achieving lasting peace. Any international disagreement should be settled through dialogue and consultations," the spokesman said.

China is ready to "maintain contacts with all parties concerned and advance peace talks to prevent further escalation in the region," Gao added.

Overnight into June 13, Israel kicked off Operation Rising Lion, aimed against Iran’s nuclear program. Iran responded in less than 24 hours. In the following days, Tel Aviv and Tehran exchanged strikes again. Both parties reported casualties and damage, and admitted that a number of facilities had been hit, but said the damage was limited.