Chinas foreign ministry said on Sunday it strongly condemns US strikes on Irans nuclear sites, adding that they escalate tensions in the Middle East.China calls on all parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible, the ministry said in a statement.Hours earlier President Donald Trump said US warplanes struck three Iranian nuclear sites, as Washington joined Israels war with Tehran in a flashpoint moment for the Middle East.Beijings foreign ministry joined Russia and a chorus of Arab states in condemning the US air strikes.Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was the top priority during a phone call with Russias Vladimir Putin.Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes, Xi said, quoted by Beijings foreign ministry.Irans foreign minister said Sunday the United States and Israel had crossed a very big red line and that Iran would defend itself by all means necessary.Beijings foreign ministry joined Russia and a chorus of Arab states in condemning the US air strikes.Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was the top priority during a phone call with Russias Vladimir Putin.Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes, Xi said, quoted by Beijings foreign ministry.Source: AFP--Agencies