China is deeply concerned and worried about the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Saturday.

Kong made the remark when asked to comment on the deteriorating Israel-Palestine situation and the regional tension.

China called on both sides to be restrained, avoid actions that might lead to further deterioration, cooperate with the international community in the current peace efforts and resume peace talks as soon as possible, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2002)