China: Syria's future should be determined by Syrians

China says the future of Syria should be independently decided by its people and the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country respected.

"Thanks to the joint efforts of the international community over a period of time, terrorist and extremist organizations in Syria have been under serious attacks," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday.

"Now the Syrian issue is at a new and critical juncture, with a rising momentum of political settlement," she said.

Over the past few months, Syrian troops have made sweeping gains against foreign-sponsored Takfiri elements who have been wreaking havoc in the Arab country since 2011.

In her remarks, the Chinese spokeswoman underlined the importance of finding a political solution to the ongoing crisis in the Arab country. 

"Under the current situations, we hope that all the relevant sides in Syria will join hands to facilitate the inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process as soon as possible, so as to promote the proper settlement of the Syrian issue at an early date. It serves common interests of the international community." 

China earlier this year indicated its willingness to deploy troops to Syria to fight against foreign-backed terrorists.

The latest remarks by the Chinese spokeswoman come one day after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced that it had started withdrawing troops from Syria. 

SS