China pledges continued efforts for peace, development in Middle East: spokesman

China is ready to make sustained contributions to the early restoration of peace, stability, and development in the Middle East, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Spokesman Lin Jian made the comments in response to a media query about the latest developments in the Middle East.

"Since the outbreak of hostilities, China has been actively working to de-escalate tensions and promote peace. President Xi Jinping has solemnly put forward a four-point proposition to safeguard and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, reflecting China's consistent position and proactive efforts to broker peace and end conflicts by facilitating dialogue and bridging differences. The proposition offers a Chinese approach to resolving the regional crisis and has played a significant role in building international consensus," Lin said.

"Guided by the spirit of President Xi's four-point proposition, China stands ready to press ahead unremittingly with ceasefire efforts and peace talks, and to make sustained contributions to the early restoration of peace, stability, and development in the Middle East," said the spokesman.

China pledges continued efforts for peace, development in Middle East: spokesman

Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, with the Nikkei stock index closing above 71,000 for the first time.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 1,151.24 points, or 1.65 percent, from Wednesday at 71,053.49, after hitting a record intraday high of 71,398.58.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 54.95 points, or 1.37 percent, higher at 4,068.18, also marking both record intraday and closing highs.

Tokyo stocks rallied after U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their countries' conflict, analysts said.

The benchmark Nikkei was also lifted by technology issues following rises in U.S. semiconductor-related shares.

Tokyo stocks rise sharply as U.S., Iran sign MoU