UNITED NATIONS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- China is disappointed and regrets that the UN Security Council draft resolution on the situation in the Middle East was not adopted, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday.

File photo of Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. (File photo: VCG)

Fu said the draft resolution, proposed by Russia, reaffirms the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, urges all parties to immediately stop military activities, condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and encourages all parties concerned to return to the track of diplomatic negotiations.

"Its content is principled and balanced, which China welcomes and supports. We are disappointed and regret that the draft was not adopted," he said.

Noting that the war should not have happened, Fu said the history of the Middle East tells the world time and again that force provides no solution and armed conflicts will only increase hatred and breed new crises.

"The pressing priority is to immediately stop military operations, prevent the escalation and spread of hostilities, and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible. China will continue its efforts to strive for peace," he said.

The UN Security Council voted on Wednesday on two draft resolutions addressing the ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East.

The Russian-sponsored resolution urging all parties to immediately halt military actions was rejected, receiving four votes in favor, two against and nine abstentions. Russia, China, Pakistan and Somalia voted in favor, while the United States and Latvia voted against it.