Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that energy security is crucial to the world economy and called on all parties to ensure a stable and unimpeded energy supply as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt the global oil market.

Lin made the remarks in response to media reports that, in the coming days, Washington may lift sanctions on Iranian oil that has already been shipped.

Lin said China has always opposed illegal unilateral sanctions.

"China is deeply concerned about the continued tensions in the Middle East, and urged all sides to immediately stop military operations, prevent further escalation, and avoid greater regional turmoil that could deal a heavier blow to global economic development," Lin said.