China not to blame for Syrian conflict deterioration

BEIJING - China is not responsible for a deterioration in the Syrian conflict or the conflict's casualties, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday.

China feels deeply saddened by the civilian casualties inflicted during the Syrian conflict, Hong said at a regular news briefing.

"We cannot accept that some countries have expressed views that are targeted at China," Hong said in response to a question regarding comments made by UK and Turkish leaders insinuating that China should shoulder some responsibility for the deterioration of the conflict.

"China has been promoting a political solution to the Syrian conflict, aiming to end the violence at an early date and avoid civilian casualties," Hong said.

Facilitating a political dialogue between relevant parties and a transitional process dominated by the Syrian people is the ultimate solution to the conflict and the suffering of the Syrian people, Hong said.

The international community should make joint efforts to achieve this goal while keeping the broader picture of peace and stability in Syria and the Middle East in mind, Hong said.

Some countries should learn lessons from others' mistakes and review their policies regarding the conflict, Hong said.