Chinese Foreign Minister told the head of the so-called Syrian National Council, Ahmad Jarba, that Syria has reach a new "critical moment" as the world awaits news of fresh peace talks.

Chinese Foreign Minister told the head of the so-called Syrian National Council, Ahmad Jarba, that Syria has reach a new "critical moment" as the world awaits news of fresh peace talks.

Speaking at the start of four days of talks with a delegation led by Jarba, Wang Yi told the foreign-backed opposition that that Beijing like to contribute to Syria settlement.

"The current situation in Syria has reached a new critical moment," Wang told Jarba at the foreign ministry in Beijing.

"The international community has been expecting a third round of talks and China would like to contribute," he added, referring to an expected resumption of negotiations following two abortive rounds of peace talks in Switzerland.

For his part, Jarba said: “This is the first time for us to visit China and we have placed our hope on it.”

Beijing voices opposition to interference in other countries' domestic affairs and strongly opposes foreign military action over Syria, regularly calling for a political solution to the deadly crisis.