ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 6 -- China urged South Sudan's warring sides to start peace talks as soon as possible and seek a reasonable and rational way out, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Monday.

China, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is dedicated to safeguarding global and regional peace and stability, Wang said after meeting separately with representatives of South Sudan's warring sides in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

China, a friend of South Sudan, is willing to play a constructive role in promoting the launch of peace talks between its warring parties, Wang pointed out, saying it is imperative for the world's youngest country to safeguard stability and grow its economy.

The minister said that China was gravely concerned about the recent clashes in South Sudan, and hoped that both sides, in a accordance with the comprehensive and long-term interest of the South Sudanese people, could cease fire and violence, and restore the rule of law and order.

Although the two sides have still differed in opinion, they have managed to narrow down those differences and increase consensus, which lays a foundation for peace talks, Wang said.

He urged the two sides to start peace talks at an early date and try to find out a rational solution to their conflicts.

Expressing their appreciation of China's stance on South Sudan, the representatives of the warring sides said they would like to solve the conflicts by peaceful means under the mediation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and hoped to start peace talks as soon as possible.

The two sides also welcomed China, a major country of the world and true friend of South Sudan, to play a constructive role in promoting peace in South Sudan.

They both pledged to take concrete measures to safeguard the security of Chinese enterprises and people in South Sudan.