China opposes military action in Syria and instead urges diplomacy to solve the political crisis, according to a foreign ministry response in the wake of US-led airstrikes.
US, UK and French jets launched airstrikes on Syria early Saturday after accusations that forces commanded by President Bashar Assad carried out a chemical attack in Douma last week. The Syrian government has denied using such weapons.
In an effort to diffuse the ongoing crisis, China’s Foreign Ministry has called for roundtable talks and an impartial investigation into the Douma incident. China, which last week warned against military intervention in Syria, also labelled Saturday’s airstrikes a violation of international law.
The ministry added that officials based in their Syrian Embassy in Damascus were unharmed during the early morning bombings.
“As always, we oppose the use of force in international relations and call for respect for other countries’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
