"Regrettably, simply because of the obstruction of one country, the Security Council hasn't been able to speak with one voice," Foreign Minister Wang Yi, whose country holds the Council's rotating presidency, told a virtual session.
"We call upon the United States to shoulder its due responsibilities."
The United States, the primary ally of Israel, delayed the Security Council session from last week and has shown little enthusiasm for a statement.
President Joe Biden's administration says it is working behind the scenes and that a Security Council statement could backfire.
In its public remarks, the Biden administration has steadfastly said that Israel is "justified" in "self-defense" in response to rocket fire by Hamas, even while urging de-escalation.
Wang urged an immediate ceasefire and called for the Security Council to take "strong actions," including reiterating support for a two-state solution.
He said that China, which has been expanding its role in the world, would welcome hosting talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives.
At least 202 Palestinians have been killed since violence erupted on Monday, and and 5,588 others injured.
In the Gaza Strip, 181 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes, including 52 children and 31 women, the Gaza health ministry reported on Sunday.
In the West Bank, 21 Palestinian protesters were shot dead with live ammunition by Israeli occupation forces that violently crashed protests, which broke out in demonstration of the aggression on Gaza.
In the Gaza Strip, 1,225 Palestinians have been wounded by the Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombing, while in the West Bank, 4,363 Palestinians have been wounded by Israeli occupation forces or illegal Jewish settlers.
