China to continue supporting Syrian weapons elimination

China has praised the progress in removing and destroying Syria's chemical weapons, and promised to continue its coordination with parties concerned to ensure safe and smooth transport and elimination of remaining stockpiles.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question regarding a UN statement on Syrian weapons.

More than 53 percent of Syria's chemical weapons has been removed out of Syria or destroyed in the country as of Thursday, according to a statement of the joint mission of the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The statement said the joint mission welcomed the momentum attained and "encourages Syria to sustain the current pace".

Hong said Syria has speeded up the transport and destruction of its chemical weapons. So far 10 shipments and escort of chemical weapons material have been completed.

"China welcomes the progress and appreciates the efforts of all parties concerned," he added.

Chinese frigate Yancheng has been working with naval vessels from Russia, Denmark, Norway on the shipments of Syria's chemical weapons.

Under a UN Security Council resolution, the entire Syrian chemical arsenal must be destroyed by June 30.