China warns against escalation in Syria

BEIJING - The priority for resolving the Syrian conflict is to hold the Geneva peace conference and avoid any action that may escalate tensions, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday.

"It is urgent to hold the second peace conference in Geneva as soon as possible and avoid any action that might escalate the situation," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Hua's comments came amid reports that the United States and Russia have differing stances on a series of issues regarding Syria, as well as reports indicating that there are some obstacles facing the Geneva peace conference, which is expected to take place in July.

"The political settlement of the Syrian conflict has now entered a critical juncture," Hua said, calling for concerned parties to work toward safeguarding peace and stability in Syria, the Middle East and the world.

She also urged concerned parties to remain committed to a political settlement and to maintain a prudent and responsible attitude.