Xie Xiaoyan: China Stresses Continuous and Effective Cooperation with Russia to Solve Crisis in Syria

SHANGHAI- Moscow and Beijing have the potential to boost cooperation to find ways of solving the crisis in Syria, and the sides should continue efforts aimed at protecting the ceasefire regime, Chinese Special Envoy for Syria Xie Xiaoyan told TASS on Sunday.

“The relations between China and Russia imply a sweeping strategic partnership and collaboration. We are constantly in touch and conduct consultations. Each side contributes to the Syrian problem’s settlement,” he said, as cited by the Russian news agency.

 According to the diplomat, the two countries are maintaining an efficient cooperation on the Syrian issue, which still has a “huge space” for expansion. “I assume that both sides should continue assuming efforts in such areas as protection of the ceasefire regime, a responsible ceasefire resolution compliance, promotion of the political process, as well as regarding the issues of postwar recovery,” he emphasized.

On April 14, the United States, Britain and France dealt a missile strike against Syrian military and civilian infrastructures without the authorization of the UN Security Council, saying that it was in retaliation for the alleged use of chemical weapons by government troops in Douma.

Last month, the Chinese envoy affirmed the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, reiterating China’s rejection of the use of force or the threat of using force in international relations. He also affirmed his country’s confidence that there is no military solution to the crisis in Syria.

H.M