Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, said Friday that China can play a role in reducing tensions in the Middle East, including through its influence with Iran - in statements made at a press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“I think the relationships that China has can be positive in trying to calm tensions, to prevent escalation, avoid the spread of the conflict,” Blinken told reporters, adding that his Chinese counterpart agreed to stay in contact on the Middle East.

Blinken also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the latter urged the US to take a “positive view” of China’s development - amidst the ongoing turbulence between the two world powers.

“We hope the US can also take a positive view of China's development,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV, adding, “when this fundamental problem is solved... relations can truly stabilize, get better, and move forward.”

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