BEIJING - China on Monday strongly condemned an attack on the Russian embassy in Damascus, and urged all sides in Syria to protect the safety of foreign diplomats.

"We are seriously concerned, and extend condolences to those injured," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing, while commenting on the mortar shell attack on Sunday, which left three diplomats injured.

In the incident, a shell was fired by militants in the hotspot district of Brazeh onto the embassy compound. Brazeh has been a scene of fierce clashes raging for days between the rebels and the Syrian government army.

Hong said all parties in Syria should strictly abide by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and protect the safety of foreign missions and diplomats.

The convention, which took effect in 1964, provides that premises of foreign missions and diplomatic representatives cannot be violated.

Hong also urged all parties in Syria to cease fire and stop violence immediately, and start political dialogue and a transition process as early as possible, so as to realize national stability.