Syria unrest: China envoy in Damascus talks.
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Saturday, February 18, 2012
A senior Chinese envoy has held talks with officials in Syria, in what Beijing says is an attempt to mediate in the crisis as bloodshed continues.
The visit by Deputy Foreign Minister Zhai Jun comes a day after Beijing voted against a UN resolution calling for an end to violence.
Fighting continued on Friday in Syria, with activists saying that at least 40 people were killed by security forces.
Some were reportedly shot dead in Homs, where the army resumed shelling.
One opposition group said the bombardment was the heaviest since troops of President Bashar al-Assad launched attacks on anti-government strongholds 13 days ago.
Such claims have not been verified independently, as most of foreign media are banned from reporting in Syria.
Mr Zhai met his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, in the capital, Damascus - the outcome of their meeting was not immediately announced. He also met members of the opposition during his visit.
Beijing said it was hoping for "a peaceful and proper resolution of the Syrian situation, and that the Chinese side will play a constructive role in the mediation".