China confirms three vessels have navigated through Hormuz Strait in recent days

BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese vessels have navigated through the Strait of Hormuz recently with the facilitation and coordination of relevant sides, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed on Tuesday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a media query on whether China had received further assurances from Iran guaranteeing shipping safety and the passage status in the Strait of Hormuz.

"We thank the assistance of relevant parties," Mao said, adding that the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters serve as a crucial international shipping lane for commodity and energy trade.

China calls for an immediate ceasefire to restore peace and stability in the Gulf region, Mao said.