China expresses concern over Syrian government attacks on civilians

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): The attacks by Syrian government forces against civilians, mainly Alawites, in Latakia and Tartus in the west of the country have been met with a response from the Chinese government.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it is closely following the situation in Syria and that armed clashes must stop immediately.

"We are closely following the situation in Syria, concerned about the recent armed clashes and the heavy casualties caused by them, and we call for the implementation of the political process [of power transfer]," the ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning explained during a press conference.

“We call on relevant parties to immediately cease armed conflict and effectively protect the safety of civilians in Syria,” Mao was quoted as saying by CGTN.

He also added: “We call for the establishment of a national reconstruction plan that is consistent with the wishes of the Syrian people through dialogue.”