ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 15 -- Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Xie Xiaoyan on Wednesday reiterated China's call for peacefully negotiated solution for the crisis in South Sudan.

Xie, who is also Chinese Representative to the African Union (AU), was briefing journalists at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, whereby he underscored that China contributes positively to the peace and stability on the African continent.

The ambassador emphasized on the need for the two sides in South Sudan to resolve the crisis in that country through negotiation and peaceful engagement.

Delegation of the South Sudanese government and that of the opposition have continued their peace talks in Addis Ababa under the mediation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Xie recalled that with China's concern on the peace and security on the African continent, the Chinese Foreign Minister during his recent visit to Ethiopia had met both delegations here.

"China wants to be a positive participant in peace and security issues in this region and with spirit our Foreign Minister met the two delegations one form the government side and the other from the opposition side," Xie said.

He also noted that China needs immediate cessation of hostilities and ending violence in South Sudan.

"Our message is clear. We want peace and stability in the region; we want an immediate cessation of hostilities and stop of violence," he noted.

The ambassador underlined that it is only through dialogue and negotiation that the solution is found to get the country back to normal.

Xie also stated that China is among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance to South Sudan and it will continue to do so.

"We have been in contact both with the government and the opposition side to let them know about our concern that something must be done about the humanitarian issue," he said.