China said Friday it backed UN efforts to mediate the Syrian crisis, as Western nations began drawing up plans to send UN monitors to the restive state where a fragile ceasefire appears to be holding.
The UN Security Council could later Friday vote on a resolution authorising the deployment of observers to monitor both sides of the conflict in Syria, which is believed to have cost more than 10,000 lives in the last 13 months.
"China actively supports and cooperates with the mediation work of the UN," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told a regular news briefing in response to a question regarding plans to send UN observers.
"We are ready to work together with all parties to push all parties in Syria to stop violence, ease tensions and promote political dialogue."
Beijing previously drew international criticism for vetoing two UN Security Council resolutions on the Syria crisis which were critical of Bashar al-Assad, president of the conflict-torn country — a China ally.
But Beijing late last month gave its seal of approval to a plan put forward by UN envoy Kofi Annan to bring peace to Syria.
"China supports any efforts that help stop violence and promote political dialogue, and will continue to take part in relevant Security Council discussions with a constructive attitude," Liu said.
China is a permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon said plans were being drawn up to send observers to Syria, and diplomats added an advanced mission of 20-30 observers could be in place early next week. The full mission would be at least 200 monitors.
A ceasefire between government troops and rebels appeared to be holding for a second day Friday, though skirmishes and calls for major protests by Syria's opposition raised questions over whether the peace will hold.
