China calls for ceasefire following escalating violence in Syria

China on Monday called for a ceasefire, resumption of peace talks and humanitarian assistance in Syria as soon as possible, as the UN security council held an emergency meeting on Sunday.

"We urge all parties to bear the interests of the Syrian people in mind and cease fire and violence," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing.

A ceasefire and cessation of violence are important preconditions to a political solution, which would improve the humanitarian situation there and combat terrorism, he said.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday on the situation in Syria, at the request of the United States, Britain and France following renewed fighting in the north Syrian city of Aleppo.

China expressed concern over the escalation of conflict and heavy civilian causalities, according to Geng.

To solve the Syria issue, UN security council resolutions should be earnestly implemented, especially resolution 2254, Geng said, adding that the international community should work simultaneously on the tracks of ceasefire, political negotiation, humanitarian assistance and counter-terrorism cooperation. Endit