China is greatly concerned about the worsening of the situation in South Lebanon, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao on February 10 in Beijing.

He said that China expresses its deep regret over the injuries suffered by innocent civilians and the heavy losses of property caused by the Israeli bombing of Lebanon.

Zhu made the remarks when asked to comment on the recent escalation of the conflict between Lebanon and Israel, which led to the Israeli bombing of Lebanon, resulting in the injuries of dozens of people and extensive loss of property.

China has called on parties concerned to restrain themselves and to take measures to end the situation as soon as possible, Zhu said.

Zhu said that the Chinese Government has always maintained that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon should be respected. Israel should implement the No. 425 Resolution of the U.N. Security Council and withdraw its troops from South Lebanon.

The Middle East peace process has entered a crucial stage, Zhu said, adding that all parties concerned in the Middle East should stop any action which is not conducive to the Middle East peace negotiations so that headway may be made in the Middle East peace process.