BEIJING, Dec. 19 -- China will continue supporting the disposal of chemical weapons in Syria, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily press briefing on Thursday.

China will provide an escort for maritime transportation of Syria's chemical weapons.

"China hopes for the safe and smooth completion of the Syrian chemical weapons disposal work, which will not only contribute to a political solution of the Syrian issue and regional security, but also conform with all parties' interests," Hua said.

She said the action was an important step for China to implement both the UN Security Council Resolution 2118 and the decision made by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

According to the OPCW, the most dangerous chemical substances will be transported out of Syria by the end of this year. The rest will be shipped out for destruction no later than June 30, 2014.

The Chinese Navy will be responsible for escorting the transportation from Syria to Italy, which will be its debut in the Mediterranean, according to Chen Kai, secretary-general of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.