Few hours before Kofi Annan’s visit to China, Beijing said on Monday it was supporting the efforts of the United Nations-Arab League envoy on Syria.

Few hours before Kofi Annan’s visit to China, Beijing said on Monday it was supporting the efforts of the United Nations-Arab League envoy on Syria.

"China values and supports the mediation efforts of Mr. Annan and hopes this visit will allow in-depth discussions on a political resolution of the Syrian issue," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, he added China hopes for a "fair, peaceful and proper solution", giving no further details.

Annan is due in Beijing on Tuesday to brief Chinese leaders about his proposal after visiting Russia where President Dmitry Medvedev offered him Moscow's full support.

China and Russia have repeatedly rejected and vetoed any UN resolution condemning Syria.
Beijing has called for an end to violence in Syria, and earlier this month it backed a UN statement urging Assad to work toward ceasing hostilities, but refused a statement that puts an ultimatum to resident Bashar Assad.

Speaking after meetings with Annan on Sunday, Medvedev warned Syria that the proposal represented the last chance for avoiding a civil war.