China strongly condemns the attacks in Syria which have wounded and killed a large number of civilians, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said Monday.

Liu made the remarks at a regular press briefing, while commenting on the attacks in the village Houla, near Homs on Friday night, in which more than 100 people were killed.

"China is deeply astonished by the attacks against innocent civilians, especially towards women and children," said the spokesman, adding that China urges an investigation into the attack and punishment of the criminals.

The attacks once again show that achieving a ceasefire and stopping the violence in Syria is urgently needed, Liu said.

China called upon all parties in Syria to immediately and comprehensively implement the resolutions of the UN Security Council as well as UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan's six-point proposal, effectively implement their commitment to stop the violence and protect civilians, and make joint efforts to ease the tensions and promote the political resolution of the Syria issue, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2012)