In response to Washington's latest announcement of a ceasefire plan between Israel and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that China hopes the ceasefire will be realized as soon as possible.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has agreed to US President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal in a statement on Tuesday morning.

In a response, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that China is highly concerned about the development of the situation in the Middle East.

Beijing "does not want the tension to escalate and hopes that the ceasefire can be realized at an early date", he said at a regular press conference in Beijing.

"Facts have proved that military means cannot bring peace. Dialogue and negotiation are the right way to solve problems," he said.

China called on the parties concerned to return to the right track of political settlement at an early date, he said.

"China is willing to work with the international community to make efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East," he added.