'China has joined international condemnation of an Israeli plan to build 1,600 homes on occupied Palestinian land in an East Jerusalem (al-Quds) settlement calling for a halt to the expansion scheme.

"We request the Israeli side to stop the establishment of new Jewish settlements and make concerted efforts and concrete actions to contribute to the resumption of peace talks," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said on Thursday.

"This action will damage the basis for the negotiations between the two sides and undermine international mediation efforts," Gang added.'

Read more: China Joins Calls on Israel to Halt New Settlement Plan