China backs UN Syria mediation

China on Monday voiced support for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Syria.

"China always supports the United Nations and the secretary-general's mediation work to address the Syrian issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a routine news briefing after Ban brought out a six-point plan on Syria last Friday.

In the proposal, Ban suggested ending violence, protecting civilians, starting a serious political process, ensuring accountability, finishing the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons and addressing the regional dimensions of the conflict, including the extremist threat.

Hua said that China hopes a successor will be appointed as soon as possible to take the place of international Syria mediator Lakhdar Brahimi so as to maintain and strengthen the momentum of a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

China attaches great importance to the political settlement of the Syrian crisis, she said, quoting China's five "musts" suggestion on the issue.

The "musts" are: the issue of Syria must be resolved through political means; the future of Syria must be decided by its own people; an inclusive political transition process must be promoted; national reconciliation and unity must be achieved in Syria; and humanitarian assistance must be delivered in Syria and its neighboring countries.

"What is at the core is that we should push both sides in Syria to blaze a 'middle way' by keeping in mind Syria's national conditions and the interests of all parties," Hua noted.

The spokeswoman said the spread of terrorist and extremist forces has posed a very real threat in Syria, other regional countries and even countries outside the region.

She urged the international community to pay high attention to and boost cooperation on handling the trend while addressing the Syrian crisis.