China Backs ‘Transition’ in Syria

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said that his country is in favor of “political transition” in Syria but still opposes direct foreign intervention to end continuing bloodshed. “We and many countries all support a period of political transition in Syria,” said Yang. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in China conducting talks with Chinese leaders. “But we also believe that any solution should come from the people of Syria and reflect their wishes,” Yang said. China’s position has changed as the Syrian conflict has unfolded over more than 18 months. China and Russia have stood together to oppose actions by Western nations to sanction Syria.