China appeals for restraint in Syria

China has called for calm in the ongoing crisis in Syria.

Beijing was keeping a close watch on the latest situation in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Xinhua.

Wang said China was firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons in Syria and supports the UN’s independent, objective, impartial and professional investigation there.

Wang said nobody should interfere with or prejudge the investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The US and its allies are considering launching military strikes on Syria in response to the alleged chemical attacks in Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus, which claimed hundreds of lives.

The Syrian government and opposition groups have accused each other on the use of chemical weapons. Syria has given access to UN inspectors to probe the use of chemical weapons.

“A political solution is always the only realistic means to resolve the Syria issue,” said the Chinese minister, adding that military interference from outside will conflict with the UN Charter and exacerbate the turmoil in the Middle East.

-IANS