Q: Last week, the African Union High-Level Panel for the Resolution of the Crisis in Côte d'Ivoire went to the country for mediation. At the same time, the conflicts between the two parties in Côte d'Ivoire escalated. Gbagbo's forces exchanged fire with Ouattara's supporters in many areas, ratcheting up tension in the security situation. What is China's comment on that?

A: China is worried about the current tension in Côte d'Ivoire. China always stands for a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, and holds that the parties concerned should put the interests of the country and the people first, keep calm and exercise restraint, avoid resorting to force and properly settle disputes through dialogue and consultation so as to realize political reconciliation and safeguard national peace and stability. China supports the mediation efforts of the AU High-Level Panel and hopes to see the country end its political crisis at an early date and return to the path of national peace and development.