We begin our program from Syria. The country was struck by US-led air strikes this morning, elevating tensions in the region. China is calling on all parties to show restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through negotiations. Jiang Shaoyi has our top story.

Another sleepless Friday night in the Syrian capital. The Damascus sky was lit up by bombs, in a joint airstrike led by the US.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now underway."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday says China opposes the use of force and supports handling the tensions through dialogue and negotiation.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council Friday, the Chinese envoy Ma Zhaoxu warned that the current situation in Syria is at a crossroads.

MA ZHAOXU CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO UN "We call on the parties concerned to remain calm, exercise restraint, refrain from any move that may lead to further escalation of the situation."

Syrian state TV reported its military's air defenses shot down 13 missiles. According to the Pentagon, three targets were hit, namely a scientific research center, chemical weapons storage facilities, and a command post. Amid the growing tensions, China's embassy in Syria has been asking Chinese nationals to stop visiting the country since last November. The US said the joint strikes are in response to last week's alleged chemical attack on the Syrian town of Douma, which killed at least 60 people. Washington pointed the finger at President Bashar al-Assad's government. But Damascus has denied the accusations, saying the attack was the work of terrorists. China calls for an investigation into the suspected Syria chemical attack. While UN chief Antonio Guterres voiced his concern.

To put an end to the escalating tensions, a political settlement might be better choice than military actions. JIANG SHAOYI. CGTN