UNITED NATIONS - China Saturday called for efforts to put an immediate end to violence in Libya, to restore stability and normal order in the country as soon as possible and to resolve the current crisis through peaceful means.

Related readings:  UN Human Rights Council calls to suspend Libya's membership  UN resolution on Libya 'possible' on Saturday  US moving toward unilateral sanctions against Libya  European states evacuate nationals from Libya

Li Baodong, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the calls when addressing the Security Council after the 15-nation UN body unanimously adopted a resolution voicing "grave concern" at the current situation in Libya.

"China is very much concerned at the turbulent situation in Libya," Li said. "In our view, a matter of greatest urgency is to immediately cease the violence, avoid further bloodshed and civilian casualties, to restore stability and normal order as soon as possible, and to resolve the current crisis through peaceful means such as dialogue."

"In this process, the safety and interest of the foreign nationals in Libya must be assured," Li said.

China, a permanent member of the Security Council, voted in favor of the draft resolution on Libya, which imposes an arms embargo on the country and a travel ban and asset freeze against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his key family members.