China called again for an early stop of the war against Iraq launched by the United States and Britain, promising to offer humanitarian aid to Iraqi refugees in Jordan at an early date.

This was said by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov Sunday afternoon.

The war has deeply concerned most countries and China appeals again to stop the military actions as soon as possible, Li said.

China deeply worried and gravely concerned about the casualties of Iraqi innocent civilians and humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war, Li said.

Human's life is the most valuable of the world, he said.

Ivanov briefed Li on Russia's latest stance.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on Sino-Russian relations.

(Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2003)