China issued veiled criticism of Israel on Monday as its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, began a visit, saying China opposed the use of force and urged restraint and the respect of sovereignty after Israel launched strikes in Syria.
"We oppose the use of military force and believe any country's sovereignty should be respected," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing.
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"China also calls on all relevant parties to begin from the basis of protecting regional peace and stability, maintain restraint and avoid taking any actions that would escalate tensions and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," Hua said.
Meanwhile, Russia said it was concerned the chances of foreign military intervention in Syria were growing following reports of Israeli airstrikes around Damascus which were a source of "particular alarm".
"We are seriously concerned by the signs of preparation of global public opinion for possible armed intervention in the long-running internal conflict in Syria," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said in a statement.
Hua, who did not mention Israel by name, was speaking as Netanyahu began a five-day trip to China.
His trip coincides with a visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as China tries to shore up its role in a region where its diplomatic influence is limited.
China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has traditionally had a low profile in Middle Eastern diplomacy, but it is keen to assert a role as an important participant in international politics.
Hua, asked if China would urge Netanyahu to stop air strikes, said the Israeli leader had yet to meet Chinese leaders. Netanyahu is due to meet Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Abbas to hold peace talks with Israel, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Xi made the remarks in a meeting with Abbas, who, a month earlier, had discussed with US Secretary of State John Kerry a revival of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
China has tried at various times over the years to mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but with little apparent success.
'Palestine, Israel should keep up with times'
China has maintained close relations with the Palestinians for decades. In recent years, it has also cultivated good ties with Israel, especially in the field of defence.
"Palestine and Israel should keep up with the trend of the times, adhere to the road of peace talks, have mutual understanding and mutual accommodation," Xi said.
Xi said his "four-point proposal on the settlement of the question of Palestine" should include a recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
"At the same time, the existence of Israel and its legitimate security concerns should be fully respected," Xi told Abbas.
It was unclear whether Netanyahu and Abbas would meet in China. "(China) is willing to offer necessary assistance if the leaders of Palestine and Israel have the will to meet in China," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
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