China on Thursday said it welcomes efforts of relevant parties to play a positive role in implementing a "de-escalation zone" deal in Syria, on the basis of fully respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence and territory.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said that the priority of such efforts should be creating favorable conditions to promote peace talks on Syria, in Geneva.

Lu made the remarks when commenting on reports saying that Russia had sent its armed forces to monitor the cessation of hostilities in Syrian de-escalation zones.

Lu said the plan to create de-escalation zones, or safe zones, is an important step to easing tensions in Syria and gradually realizing a ceasefire.

On May 4, Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on the creation of four safe zones in Syria, aiming to ease tensions for at least six months in Syria.