Chen Xiaodong (R), director general of the West Asian and North African Affairs Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, meets with Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) foreign affairs representative Ali Essawy in Benghazi, Libya, July 6, 2011.

A senior Chinese diplomat met with officials of the Libyan opposition National Transition Council (NTC) on Wednesday.

Chen Xiaodong, director general of the West Asian and North African Affairs Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, visited the Libyan opposition bastion of Benghazi on Wednesday, urging a quick political solution to the country's conflicts.

Chen said China is deeply concerned over the crisis in Libya, noting that the current situation should not be prolonged and a political solution to the crisis should be achieved as quickly as possible.

China called on both sides in Libya to give priority to interests of the country and the people, and peace and stability, and to launch substantial talks on ceasing hostilities and future political arrangement, as well as make a positive response to the mediation proposal of the international community.

The NTC officials praised China's efforts in advancing a peaceful solution to the crisis, and agreed that political negotiation is the final outlet for the Libyan problem.

China recognized Libya's opposition National Transitional Council (NTC) "an important dialogue partner" as it hosted the first visit of the NTC leader to Beijing in June.

About four months after its establishment, the NTC has been lobbying world powers for supports and has been boosted by the recognition from countries including France, Italy, Britain, Germany, Spain, Qatar and the UAE.