BEIJING, Jan. 16 -- China on Thursday appealed to all parties in Thailand to avoid escalation of turmoil as "Bangkok Shutdown" launched by anti-government protesters entered its fourth day.

"China is highly concerned by the development of the situation in Thailand," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Despite pressure from protesters, Prime Minister of the caretaker government Yingluck Shinawatra said on Wednesday that the general election will proceed as planned.

Hong said China encouraged all parties in Thailand to consider the country's interests and people's well-being, properly solve the issue, and restore Thailand's stability and order as soon as possible.