BEIJING, May 16 -- China has urged parties of South Sudan to further ease tensions and underscored its commitment to African peace and security.

"We expect moves by related parties to help further ease the situation in South Sudan," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing on Friday.

South Sudanese rival parties signed an agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 9, stipulating a comprehensive ceasefire and formation of a transitional government to arrange general elections within a year.

"We have noted the positive progress of the South Sudan situation," Hua said, saying China welcomes and appreciates the ceasefire deal and peace talks.

On the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, Hua said China has always played an active part in the UN peacekeeping mission and would continue to contribute to African peace and security.