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Sunday, April 15, 2018, 18:20
Syria crisis: China urges solution through talks
By Xinhua
Sunday, April 15, 2018, 18:20 By Xinhua

Debris surround the Syrian Scientific Research Center which was attacked by US, British and French military strikes to punish President Bashar Assad for suspected chemical attack against civilians, in Barzeh, near Damascus, Syria, April 14, 2018. A spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry says China has urged the relevant parties to find a solution to the Syria issue through dialogue. (HASSAN AMMAR / AP)

BEIJING – China has urged the relevant parties to return to the framework of international law and resolve the Syria issue through dialogue and negotiation, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Saturday.

China believes a comprehensive, impartial and objective investigation should be carried out to reach a reliable conclusion that could stand the test of time. 

Hua Chunying, Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry, China 

China opposed the use of force in international relations and called for respect for other countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, Hua Chunying, the spokesperson, said when asked to comment on the military strikes against Syria by the United States, Britain and France.

READ MORE: US, France, UK strike Syria over chemical weapon attack

"Any unilateral military action bypassing the Security Council runs contrary to the purpose and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and violates the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and will further complicate the Syrian issue," Hua said.

According to the spokesperson, China has urged the relevant parties to return to the framework of international law and resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation.

Referring to the three countries' saying that the military strikes were launched in response to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, Hua said China believes a comprehensive, impartial and objective investigation should be carried out to reach a reliable conclusion that could stand the test of time.

"Yet before that, a prejudgment should not be made," she added. 

ALSO READ: Russia, Iran condemn airstrike on Syria

This photo taken in the early hours of April 14, 2018 shows surface to air missile fire in Damascus skies as the US launches an attack on Syria targeting different parts of the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria. (HASSAN AMMAR / AP)

China believes that political settlement is the only viable way out for the Syrian issue. Relevant parties of the international community should continue to support the role of the UN as the main channel for mediation and make relentless efforts to facilitate the final settlement of the Syrian issue. 

When asked about the current situation of Chinese citizens in Syria, Hua said the Chinese government took their safety very seriously, and the Chinese Embassy in Syria had maintained close communication with them. They are all safe so far.

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