China's military has sent a delegation of high-ranking officials to Syria – a sign underscoring Beijing's active engagement in the five-year-old conflict.

Headed by Guan Youfei, Rear Admiral of People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese delegation visited the capital Damascus, and met with government representatives to enhance the cooperation between the two countries' militaries.

Guan, who is the director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Chinese Central Military Commission, held talks with Fahd Jassem al-Freij, Syrian Defense Minister on Tuesday.

"They reached consensus on enhancing personnel training, and Chinese military offering humanitarian aid to Syria," China's Xinhua News Agency reported.

Al-Freij thanked the government and military of China for their help and said he was willing to push forward cooperation between the two countries' militaries. He added that Syria supports China's sovereignty over its territory and maritime interests in the South China Sea.

China has long called for a political settlement to the ongoing conflict in Syria, and upheld UN's role in the crisis, while denouncing military solutions. China has previously invited delegates from the Syrian government as well as opposition figures to Beijing in an attempt to push a peaceful resolution forward.

In March, China appointed a special envoy for Syria to better promote dialogue, contribute Chinese wisdom and communicate with parties to facilitate a proper solution.