China urges calm, restraint on Syria issue

BEIJING - The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday called on relevant sides to "remain calm" and adhere to political measures on the Syria issue.

Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a press briefing that unilateral military action is contrary to international law and basic norms of international relations.

Unilateral military action would complicate the issue as well as exacerbate regional instability, he said.

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday passed a resolution to authorize a military strike against Syria, clearing the way for a full Senate vote likely to take place next week.

Hong said that China's stance on prohibiting the use of chemical weapons is consistent and clear, adding that those confirmed using chemical weapons should bear responsibility.

The next action on Syria should be decided by the United Nations Security Council, the spokesman said, stressing that the UN investigators' final report should be the basis for a decision.