As reports of violence across Syria continue, China is lobbying the government and opposition forces to begin an inclusive political dialogue to resolve the current crisis.
In a six-point position statement released on Sunday by Beijing, China urged that the Syrian government and all parties concerned to immediately, fully and unconditionally cease all acts of violence and engage in dialogue, while saying that it opposes any interference in the country’s internal affairs.
“The Syrian Government and various factions should… immediately launch an inclusive political dialogue with no preconditions attached or outcome predetermined through impartial mediation of the Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the Arab League, agree on a comprehensive and detailed road-map and timetable for reform through consultation and implement them as soon as possible through consultation and implement them as soon as possible with a view to restoring national stability and public order,” it said.
China welcomed the appointment of the Special Envoy on the Syrian Crisis by the UN and Arab League, saying it supported him in playing a constructive role in bringing about the political resolution of the crisis. It added that it also supported the active efforts made by the Arab states and the Arab League to promote a political situation to the crisis.
In addition, China also supports the UN’s leading role in coordinating humanitarian relief efforts. It, however, said that under the precondition of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, the UN, or an impartial body acceptable to all, should make an objective and comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in the country and ensure the delivery and distribution of aid. “China is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people,” it said.
At the same time, it emphasised its opposition to “anyone interfering in Syria’s internal affairs under the pretext of “humanitarian” issues.” Further, it said that relevant parties of the international community should respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and the right of its people to independently choose their political system and development path and provide necessary and constructive assistance for the various factions to launch dialogue and respect its outcome. “China does not approve of armed interference or pushing for “regime change” in Syria, and believes that use or threat of sanctions does not help to resolve this issue appropriately,” it added.
China emphasised that members of the UN Security Council should strictly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms governing international relations. It added, “As a permanent member of the Security Council, China is ready to earnestly fulfil its responsibilities, engage in equal-footed, patient and full consultations with other parties on the political solution to the Syrian crisis in an effort to safeguard the unity of the Security Council.”
