Beijing is a partner of Iran, which has been targeted by US-Israeli attacks since last month, but has also criticised Tehran's strikes against Gulf states housing US military bases and urged a ceasefire.

Wang Yi told Emmanuel Bonne over a phone call that the situation in the Middle East "continues to deteriorate" and that "an unjust war must not continue".

"The right way out of the crisis remains dialogue and negotiation", he said, according to a readout from Beijing's foreign ministry.

"In the face of the current critical situation, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France should enhance strategic communication and coordination... and prevent the world from reverting to the 'law of the jungle'," Wang said.

"China and France should work together to that end," he added.

The war, triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has threatened global energy security as well as China's oil supplies.

Beijing has sought to mediate in the Middle East, sending its special envoy, Zhai Jun, on a tour of the region, where he urged de-escalation as he met with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Arab League.

Foreign minister Wang recently said that the war "should never have happened" and called for an end to fighting.