BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- China called on all parties in Cambodia to express their demands through "legal means" following days of protests in the country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the comment at a daily news briefing when asked about clashes between Cambodian police and protesters, which left at least four dead on Friday.

"We hope they can solve problems through friendly consultations and maintain social order and peace," Hua said.

Friday's garment worker protest on the outskirts of Phnom Penh turned violent. The clash between the protesters and police left four strikers dead, 26 injured and 11 arrested.

Phnom Penh municipality spokesman Long Dimanche said opposition party supporters have destroyed private and public property, closing down roads and causing social instability, according to media reports.

The Ministry of Interior on Saturday issued a statement banning all forms of demonstrations in order to restore social security and public order.

Main opposition party leaders had held anti-government protests since Dec. 15 to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Hun Sen and a reelection after July's election.