China says Libya fighting risks regional stability

China says Libya fighting risks regional stability

BEIJING (Reuters) - China again pressed on Thursday for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and a resolution through dialogue, warning that the fighting there could undermine regional stability.

"We believe that the objective of enforcing the U.N. Security Council resolution is to protect humanitarian (objectives) and not to create an even bigger humanitarian disaster," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

"Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity should be respected. We also urge all sides to immediately cease fire and avoid the conflict escalating, which would worsen the situation regional-wide," she added.

Western warplanes began striking Libya over the weekend, but have so far have failed to stop Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's tanks shelling rebel-held towns or dislodge his armour from a strategic junction in the east.

Britain will host an international conference next Tuesday to discuss progress on the U.N.-mandated military intervention.

Asked about the proposed meeting in London next week, Jiang said: "It's my understanding that the Security Council will continue informal consultations about the situation in Libya."

"As for what actions the Security Council should take next, that should be decided by consultation among the Security Council member states. China is willing to work with other sides to promote a resolution of Libya's current crisis through dialogue and other diplomatic means."

China abstained from the U.N. Security Council vote that authorised the intervention, but has since decried the U.S.-led air strikes on Gaddafi as risky and unwarranted overreaching by the West.