Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Miqdad began Monday a four-day visit to China, Beijing’s foreign ministry said, after a handful of visits by high-level envoys in recent months.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Miqdad began Monday a four-day visit to China, Beijing's foreign ministry said, after a handful of visits by high-level envoys in recent months.

China has always backed Russia in supporting Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, vetoing UN Security Council resolutions that aimed at putting pressure on regime. Beijing has also repeatedly urged dialogue to end the violence.

“This visit is part of China's efforts to push for a political resolution of the Syria issue," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing.

Miqdad will meet China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Deputy Minister Zhai Jun, she added.