China sees political dialogue as the only way to solve the crisis in Burundi, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi said here on Friday.
China encourages all parties in the African country to "actively participate in the dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully," said Liu, who also holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for April.
"China maintains that political dialogue is the only way to solve the problem in Burundi. China welcomes the Burundian government's active efforts to maintain stability and promote national reconciliation in the country," Liu said after the 15-nation UN body unanimously adopted a resolution on Burundi.
The resolution paves the way for an enhanced UN police presence in Burundi and calls on countries in the region "to contribute to a solution to the crisis in Burundi, and to refrain from supporting the activities of armed movements in any way."
It also urges "the government of Burundi and all parties to reject any kind of violence and condemn any public statement inciting violence or hatred."
China always supports Africa's efforts to solve African problems in the African way, Liu said, voicing his appreciation of the constructive efforts made by the East African Community (EAC) and sub-regional organizations to mediate a proper solution to the Burundian problem.
He said the Security Council's adoption of the new resolution shows the international community's strong support for the EAC's mediating efforts and for a political settlement of the problem in Burundi.
In the process of implementing the new resolution, Liu said, all relevant parties should fully respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Burundi and should strengthen consultations with the Burundian government.
The crisis in Burundi broke out in April 2015 after President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term led to protests, which together with the post-election violence, have reportedly killed more than 400 people and caused more than 240,000 people to flee into neighboring countries.
