BEIJING, Oct. 15 -- China calls on Turkey to halt military operations and return to the right track of seeking political solutions, a foreign ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

"China always opposes the use of force in international relations, and maintains that all parties should earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as basic norms governing international relations, and should solve problems through political and diplomatic means within the framework of international law," spokesman Geng Shuang said at a press briefing.

Geng made the remarks when asked to comment on Turkey's military operations in northeast Syria, which started on Oct. 9 and have already led to casualties.

"Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity should be respected and protected," he said.

The anti-terrorism situation in Syria is still grim, and the relevant military operations could lead to the fleeing of terrorists and the resurgence of the Islamic State, according to Geng.

"China urges Turkey to shoulder its responsibility and jointly combat terrorism with the international community," Geng said.