China calls for restraint in Thailand

CHINA CALLS FOR RESTRAINT IN THAILAND

VOSOT

China has called for calm from all parties in Thailand to avoid violence during protests against the government.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said on Monday that China hoped a solution could be found quickly.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE): HONG LEI, Foreign Ministry Spokesman

"China is concerned about the situation in Thailand. We hope stability and order can be restored at an early date. We urge all parties to consider national development and people's well-being, resolving disputes properly through dialogue and negotiation."

Anti-government protests in Bangkok continued on Monday, with protestors trying to seize more state offices in their bid to topple the government.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she would step down or dissolve the House of Representatives, but only if doing so helped restore peace and order to the country.

So far, a total of 34 countries and regions have issued warnings for travel to Thailand, where political tension is running high.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, China, the United States, France, Australia and Japan are among those which have done so.