China calls for restraint in Thailand

BEIJING - China called for restraint from all parties in Thailand to avoid violence as clashes between protesters and government supporters has claimed three lives and left over 100 injured.

"China is concerned about the situation in Thailand. We hope stability and order can be restored at an early date," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing.

He urged all parties to consider national development and people's well-being, resolving disputes properly through dialogue and negotiation.

Thailand's antigovernment protesters on Sunday night gave Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra two days to return power to the people, which implied the resignation of the premier and dissolution of the Lower House.

Shinawatra said on Monday that she was ready to resign to bring peace to the country, but rejected protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban's request to return power to the people, saying it has no constitutional basis.