Wang said the fundamental way to resolve the navigation issue in the Strait of Hormuz is to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, adding that China has always advocated for the political resolution of hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiations, Reuters reported. The call from the foreign ministers came ahead of a UN Security Council vote next week on a Bahraini resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia should "adopt an objective and balanced approach and strive to gain greater understanding and support from the international community," Wang told Lavrov, according to a statement from his ministry. China has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the Persian Gulf and Middle East region, urging an end to the fighting that has lasted for more than a month and largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping artery for oil and gas.