China condemns strike on Damascus Chinese embassy

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei on Monday described China's shock at and condemnation of a mortar shell having hit the Chinese embassy in Syria earlier in the day.

A mortar shell fell into the Chinese embassy in Syria's capital of Damascus at around 11 a.m. local time on Monday, damaging the compound's wall and shattering windows in the building. A local employee was slightly injured.

Hong said in a statement that China strongly urged relevant parties in Syria to abide by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and take concrete measures to ensure the safety of all diplomatic organizations and personnel including China's.

He said China reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and end to violence in Syria, and for the launch of dialogue to end the crisis and restore national peace and stability.