BEIJING -- China has urged the relevant parties to return to the framework of international law and resolve the Syria issue through dialogue and negotiation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Saturday.

When asked about China's comments on the military strikes against Syria by the United States, Britain and France, Hua said China opposed the use of force in international relations and called for respect for other countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

"Any unilateral military action bypassing the Security Council runs contrary to the purpose and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and violates the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and will further complicate the Syrian issue," Hua said.

According to the spokesperson, China has urged the relevant parties to return to the framework of international law and resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation.

Referring to the three countries' saying that the military strikes were launched in response to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, Hua said China believes a comprehensive, impartial and objective investigation should be carried out to reach a reliable conclusion that could stand the test of time.

"Yet before that, a prejudgment should not be made," she added.

China believes that political settlement is the only viable way out for the Syrian issue. Relevant parties of the international community should continue to support the role of the UN as the main channel for mediation and make relentless efforts to facilitate the final settlement of the Syrian issue.

When asked about the current situation of Chinese citizens in Syria, Hua said the Chinese government took their safety very seriously, and the Chinese Embassy in Syria had maintained close communication with them. They are all safe so far.