China pledges continuous support to UN efforts on Syria

China pledged on Friday that it would continue to participate in UN Security Council discussions on resolving the Syria issue in a constructive manner.

"China supports any efforts conducive to stopping violence and promoting political dialogue in Syria," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told a regular press conference.

Liu's remarks came in response to a question about the UN Security Council's intention to deploy an observer mission in Syria.

"China actively supports the mediation work of Kofi Annan, and will make joint efforts with all the involved parties to maintain the cease-fire status in Syria," Liu said.

He said China hopes such efforts would help ease tension and promote political dialogue in Syria, so as to achieve a peaceful, just and appropriate settlement to the Syria issue at an early date. This should help to maintain the peace and stability in the Middle East region.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday that the situation in Syria "looks calmer" as of Thursday afternoon, the first day of UN-mediated ceasefire in Syria.