BEIJING, January 21. /TASS/. Beijing is calling on all sides to avoid steps that could deteriorate the situation in Syria, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters on Monday commenting on an Israeli airstrike on Syria.

"China has always stated that it’s important to respect and defend Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. At present, political settlement of the Syrian crisis is at a key stage," the diplomat noted.

"We believe that all parties concerned should abstain from any steps, which could lead to mounting tensions. The sides should also jointly maintain peace and stability in the region to encourage political settlement of the Syrian crisis," Chunying said.

Israeli airstrike

Earlier, Syrian media reports said the country’s air defenses had repelled an Israeli airstrike and hit several targets. The Israeli Defense Forces said the strike was conducted against the Iranian Quds Forces operating in Syria.

On Sunday, Syria’s SANA news agency reported that Syrian air defenses had repelled an Israeli air strike in the country’s south. On the same day, Israel announced that it had intercepted a rocket fired at the Golan Heights.

On January 13, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Tel Aviv was ready to enhance attacks on Iranian facilities in Syria to prevent Tehran’s efforts to entrench militarily in Syria.