Beijing: British Foreign Minister Jack Straw has sought China's help in ending Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism in India and bring about peace and stability in South Asia.

Straw made this appeal to his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing during their first telephonic talk on March 31 evening, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters at a biweekly news conference.

"During the telephone conversation between the Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, the two sides discussed the situation in South Asia, including the relations between India and Pakistan," Liu said.

He said Jack Straw talked about "the role of Pakistan in controlling cross-border violence and he also called upon the Chinese side to play a greater role in easing the tension between India and Pakistan".

In response, Li, China's newly appointed Foreign Minister said both sides are friendly neighbours of China.

"He called upon the two sides to cease the dilemma of no dialogue. We expressed our concern about the situation and said the tension has got long historical reasons and that dialogue is the only way to solve the problem," Liu quoted Li as saying to Straw.

"China will be working for dialogue and consultations between the two sides and prevent any action that will escalate the situation in South Asia," the Chinese Foreign Minister said.

PTI