At a routine July 23 briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China is deeply concerned about escalation in the Gulf after reports the U.S. is deploying aircraft carriers and fighters to the region. Lin warned renewed hostilities would be contrary to any party’s interests, urged respect for regional states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on parties to remain calm, cease hostile actions, resume contact and dialogue, and pursue a political-diplomatic settlement to secure a comprehensive, lasting ceasefire as soon as possible. He did not say whether China is in contact with the parties.(金十数据)