The deadly violence on Wednesday in Egypt sounded the solemnest alarm yet about the situation in the world's most populous Arab country. Unless the different political forces, the Egyptian military included, show the utmost restraint, there is a growing risk that the country will slide into chronic unrest.

In what is perceived to be Egypt's bloodiest clash in 40 years, hundreds of people were killed on Wednesday across the country, as Egyptian security forces dispersed supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi from two camps they had set up in Cairo.

Wednesday's violence has drawn a strong response from the rest of the world, and China has joined other members of the international community in calling for calm and restraint.