China called Sunday on both sides in the Lebanon conflict to cease hostilities and seek a solution through dialogue, state media reported.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, currently on a visit to Papua New Guinea, made the remark in a telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Xinhua news agency said.
"China expresses its deep concern over the conflict in Lebanon, which has now lasted for four weeks and urges both sides to immediately cease hostilities and solve the problems through dialogue," Li said, according to Xinhua.
He urged the Security Council to "immediately take action to prevent the conflict from expanding further."
"China hopes the United Nations will adopt effective measures to ensure the safety of the UN peacekeepers, including Chinese peacekeepers," he said.
Li made the remark before a UN spokesman said three Chinese UN peacekeepers were injured Sunday in an exchange of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon.
