UNITED NATIONS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday asked for efforts to resolve disputes by peaceful means, thus tackling the issue of the protection of civilians by addressing the root causes.

The purpose of complying with international humanitarian law is protect civilians; effectively preventing armed conflict offers the best protection for civilians, Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, told a Security Council debate on international humanitarian law.

The Security Council should encourage preventive diplomacy and political mediation to promote the use of peaceful means, such as dialogue and negotiations, in resolving differences and preventing escalation in order to protect civilians from the scourge of war, Ma said.

He also asked the international community to work together to promote and strengthen international humanitarian law.