BEIJING - China on Thursday urged all parties in Egypt to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.

"China is paying close attention to the situation in Egypt, and is deeply concerned about its development," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei while commenting on Egyptian police's decision to clear protest camps in Cairo, where supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi had gathered.

The dispersal resulted in clashes that have left at least 278 people dead, including 43 policemen, and more than 2,000 injured across Egypt, according to the Health Ministry.

Hong said China hoped all parties would put the interests of the country and people first and exercise restraint to avoid more casualties. He called on all sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and to restore order and social stability.