Violence must stop

WASHINGTON - China wants an immediate halt to the spiraling bloodshed in Syria and an "inclusive dialogue" between the Syrian government and opposition protesters, a Chinese official said.

"We are following closely the situation in Syria and we hope that the violent activities can be put to an immediate stop," said Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai, who is accompanying Vice-President Xi Jinping on a US visit.

"We hope that Syria can initiate an inclusive dialogue to solve all the problems it faces."