This Article is From Sep 02, 2013

Syria crisis: China argues against US military action

Beijing: China is urging the US not to take unilateral action against Syria in response to last month's chemical weapons attack against civilians.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said today that Washington had briefed Beijing over the matter. Mr Hong said China was highly concerned about any use of chemical weapons.

But he said China opposed the US acting alone. Mr Hong said any response must conform to the UN Charter and the basic principles underlying international relations.

China has joined Russia in blocking any UN action that could lead to the downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government.

The US says the use of chemical weapons in Syria killed at least 1,429 civilians. The US argues that Assad's government is responsible, while others say the evidence is not clear.

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