The turmoil in Syria has brought a lot of suffering to its people and grave challenges to regional and world peace, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said.
In an interview with Russian media published Monday, Xi stressed that the only way out of this would be a political solution.
"China's position on the Syrian issue has been consistent," said Xi. "Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be protected and respected, and its future decided by its own people."
"A political solution offers the only way out," said the Chinese president.
China sincerely hopes the issue can be resolved as soon as possible and that the Syrian people's aspiration for peace can be realized at an early date so that they can return to and rebuild their homes.
Citing positive signs in the Astana meeting and Geneva talks, Xi urged more efforts to maintain the momentum for a political solution to the Syrian issue.
He said China supports a primary United Nations role in mediating a possible solution between the Syrian government and the opposition forces.
Xi expressed an appreciation for Russia's important and active role in trying to reach a proper solution to the Syrian issue.
Xi travels to Moscow on Monday for a state visit to Russia, which is to be followed by one to Germany, where he will attend the upcoming summit of the Group of 20 major economies. [Special coverage]
