Top Syrian envoy set to visit China

China said on Monday that an envoy of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would visit Beijing from Tuesday, and the country is also considering inviting opposition representatives. Experts said China is attempting to offer a communication platform for both sides.

The envoy, Bouthaina Shaaban, who is political and media advisor to the Syrian president, would meet Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, the ministry said in a statement.

"To promote the political solution to the Syria issue, China has always actively balanced its work between the Syrian government and the opposition," ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement on the ministry's website.