Beijing 'open' to conference on Syria

China is "positive and open" toward a proposed international conference on the Syrian conflict in Geneva on Saturday, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, as countries called for restraint over Syria's downing of a Turkish jet.

China is communicating with relevant parties over the proposed conference, initiated by UN-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan, and has sent officials to attend a preparatory meeting, Hong said on Monday.

"We hope that the conference will help to build an international consensus and give full support to Annan's mediation efforts to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and Annan's six-point proposal, easing current tensions and creating conditions for political dialogue," Hong said.