The spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian has, on Wednesday, called upon the parties involved in the Mali crisis to abstain from exercising military power and to go for dialogue as a way of solving the disagreements.

“China is closely monitoring the situation in Mali. We are opposed to power transition via use of military force or any other unlawful methods,” he said.

A group of Malian soldiers initiated an uprising on Tuesday at the Kati military base near the capital Bamako, demanding political reforms and fair elections.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned after he was kidnapped by rebels in the country. Other high officials were also kidnapped with him.

The military, who seized the power, has closed the country’s borders, imposed a curfew and declared establishing a new power institution, dubbed National Committee for the Salvation of the People.

The international community widely condemned the uprising, calling on the soldiers to respect the country’s constitutional order and refrain from violence.

Mr. Zhao has also asserted China’s support of efforts of the regional and international organisations, including the AU and the ECOWAS, in promoting the peace process in Mali.

He called the parties involved to “consider the country’s root interests, solve the disagreements via dialogue, restore order as soon as possible and ensure stability and unity of the nation.”