China and Russia discuss cooling Middle East tensions as UN vote on Hormuz resolution looms

As permanent UNSC members, China and Russia should, "adopt an objective and balanced approach and seek to win greater understanding and support from the international community," Wang told Lavrov, according to a statement from his ministry.

A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said the ministers discussed ways to achieve a rapid ceasefire and, "launch a political-diplomatic dialogue."

"Satisfaction was expressed at the coincidence in Russia's and China's approaches on most issues on the global agenda, including the situation around Iran, related to the unprovoked aggression of the US and Israel against that country," it said.

China has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the gulf region and Middle East, urging an end to the fighting that has run for more than a month and largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping artery for oil and gas.

(Reporting by Shi Bu and Ryan Woo; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Mark Porter)