Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told his US counterpart that Washington should play a constructive role in the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Wang talked with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the phone on Saturday.

China's Foreign Ministry says Wang told Blinken that safeguarding one's own security should not come at the cost of harming innocent civilians. The remark is believed to be a warning against a ground operation in Gaza that the Israeli military is reportedly readying.

Wang was also quoted as saying that "the fundamental way out of the Palestinian issue lies in implementing the 'two-state solution' and establishing an independent State of Palestine, so as to realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel."

Wang also called for convening an international peace conference as soon as possible.

The Chinese side quoted Blinken as saying Washington supports the United Nations in easing the situation and providing humanitarian relief, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China.

The US Department of State says Blinken discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict. The remark apparently shows the government's determination to prevent intervention of other forces including the Lebanon-based Shia militant group Hezbollah.

It also says the two sides noted the importance of stabilizing their bilateral relationship. There is speculation that a US-China summit could be held on the sidelines of the APEC leaders' meetings in the US in November.