China asked to help end Syrian conflict

Jordanian king calls for Chinese support to resolve the situation as country's influence grows in region

Jordan's King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein on Wednesday called on China to exert its influence to help resolve the conflict in Syria. The king's comments came as world powers kicked off negotiations on a draft resolution on Syria's chemical weapons.

Experts said China is becoming more involved in the Middle East, both economically and diplomatically, and regional expectations are growing over China's role in helping to solve thorny issues.