China takes on mediation role

Syria's foreign minister started a four-day visit to China on Wednesday, amid a fresh round of efforts by China to play a more active role in the Syrian-conflict issue.

The visit came after Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei confirmed on Monday that China will invite representatives from the Syrian government and opposition groups to visit China to facilitate talks.

The Foreign Ministry has said Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem will meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.