China calls for upholding hard-won process of Syrian issue's political settlement

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday underscored the urgency of preventing the situation in Syria from deteriorating.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comments in response to remarks by British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.

Fallon on Sunday accused Russia of being "responsible" by proxy for the deaths of civilians last week in a suspected chemical weapons attack.

The United States accused the Syrian Army of being behind the attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, an allegation denied by Damascus.

In response to the chemical attacks, the United States on Friday struck an Syrian air base in Homs with 59 Tomahawk missiles.

Hua said China opposes the use of chemical weapons by any country, organization or person for any purpose and under any circumstance.

China supports an independent and comprehensive investigation by UN agencies into the suspected use of chemical weapons, Hua said.

Relevant countries, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, should play constructive roles in maintaining international peace and security, Hua said.

China always opposes the use of force in international relations and maintains that state sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, Hua said.

She said a political solution is the only way to resolve the Syrian issue.

The future of Syria must be decided by its own people, Hua said, adding that the international community should respect the Syrian people's choice in this regard.

"China is willing to work with the international community to promote a political settlement for the Syrian issue at an early date," Hua said. Endi