China urges dialogue for solving Syrian crisis

China hopes Syria's opposition groups and the government will solve their problems through dialogue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

Spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing that China believes political methods are the only way to properly address the crisis.

"To end the crisis soon, relevant sides should cease fire and commence dialogue, work together with UN-Arab League joint representative Lakhdar Brahimi and promote a transition led by the Syrian people," Hong said.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said Wednesday that the crisis should be solved within a peaceful framework and through national dialogue.