China has called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities between the Syrian government's security forces and those loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Mao told a regular news conference in Beijing on Monday that China is closely monitoring the situation after reports indicated that the clashes have killed more than 1,000 people.

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China is worried by the large number of casualties, Mao said, urging parties involved to cease hostilities and take effective measures to protect civilians.

Mao also called for adherence to the principle of inclusiveness and emphasized the importance of a solution for Syria’s reconstruction according to the will of the Syrian people.