Beijing is a close partner of Iran and has said it backs Tehran in defending its sovereignty, while urging the United States and Israel to cease their attacks.

China "will send a special envoy on Middle East issues to regional countries for mediation", Wang said during a call with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, according to a readout by Beijing.

The statement did not name the envoy or give details about which countries they would visit.

Beijing "has always been a force for peace and is willing to continue playing a constructive role", Wang said.

"China strongly urges all parties to... return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and prevent the further escalation of tensions," he added.