BEIJING, April 23 -- China on Wednesday strongly condemned the targeted killings of civilians based on their ethnic origins and nationality in Bentiu of Unity State in South Sudan.

At a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said,"We urge the government and opposition forces in South Sudan to continue their political dialogue and resolve disputes, to achieve reconciliation, peace and development at an early date."

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said on Monday that the attacks took place in hospitals, mosques and churches, and a UN World Food Program (WFP) compound between April 15 and 16.

UNMISS human rights investigators have confirmed that when opposition forces captured Bentiu last week, they searched a number of places where hundreds of South Sudanese and foreign civilians had taken refuge. The forces killed hundreds of civilians after their ethnicity or nationality were determined.

As China has energy interests in Bentiu, an oil hub and capital of Unity State, Qin said China hopes South Sudan can restore peace and stability.

He called on the South Sudan government to protect China's lawful and legitimate interests as well as the safety of Chinese nationals in the African country.

Thousands of people are believed to have been killed in fighting that began in mid-December after a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy president, Riek Machar.