BEIJING, Dec. 27 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday summed up China's efforts to push for proper settlement of the Syrian issue, including shuttle diplomacy, assistance for destruction of Syria's chemical weapons and humanitarian aid.

"As a member of the United Nations Security Council and a responsible big country, China has been closely watching the Syrian situation and has played a positive and constructive role in pushing for proper settlement of the issue," Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

China kept close contact and consultations with the United Nations, UNSC member states and regional countries, Hua said.

She highlighted Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi's and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's communication with their colleagues in Iran, the United Nations, Russia, the United States, Jordan and Egypt.

"Yesterday, Minister Wang just concluded a visit to the Middle East. The Syria issue is always among the top topics for this visit and visits of its kind," Hua said.

She noted that China has attended two preparation meetings for the second Geneva conference on Syria, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22.

The Geneva II conference has been set up to broker an end to the Syrian crisis by offering a chance for the Syrian government and the opposition to meet at the negotiation table for the first time.

Hua recalled China's balanced diplomatic efforts among Syria's various parties, which were aimed at promoting peace and talks.

China maintained contact with the Syrian government and supported it in attending the Geneva II conference, while China's agencies abroad also kept touch with Syria's opposition.

"Recently, we invited a delegation of the Syrian National Dialogue Forum, which was composed of representatives from the country's opposition and pro-government factions, to visit China," Hua said.

China's Middle East Special Envoy Wu Sike also met recently with the leader of Syria's opposition, the Syrian National Coalition, in Bahrain, she said.

"China will continue its efforts in persuading Syria's relevant parties to positively and constructively attend the Geneva II conference so as to settle the Syrian issue via political talks," Hua said.

She stressed that a political solution for the Syrian issue and the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons should be pushed forward simultaneously.

China has been active in the UN and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) discussions on Syrian's chemical weapons, and has offered support for the destruction efforts.

China has selected several experts for the OPCW experts group to inspect destruction efforts, donated medical and security monitoring facilities, and will provide a navy escort for the destruction, Hua said.

"As the humanitarian situation in Syria is grave and the snow storms have dampened the lives of the Syrian people and refugees abroad, China will offer new humanitarian aid to help them withstand the winter," Hua said.