China applauds efforts in shipping Syrian chemical weapons

China on Tuesday praised efforts by all parties, including the Syrian government, in the transportation of Syrian chemical weapons.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei voiced appreciation at a daily press briefing when commenting on the completed shipping of the first round of Syria's chemical weapons materials.

The Syrian government implemented the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) decisions and UN resolutions through concrete steps as it shipped the first round of chemical weapons materials last Tuesday, Hong said, adding that other countries, including China, Russia and Denmark, also actively communicated to ensure safe shipping.

China welcomes the outcome, he said.

"The shipping of chemical weapons is the key to their destruction. China will make concerted efforts with all parties to maintain the positive momentum," Hong said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry had sent staff to Cyprus to keep close communication with all parties, including the OPCW-UN joint mission, Russia and Denmark. Chinese naval vessel Yancheng will make necessary tactical coordination with Russian and Danish naval vessels in preparation for the shipping and escort mission, Hong said.

In accordance with the decisions of the UN Security Council and OPCW Executive Council, Syria's chemical weapons will be transported outside its territory to ensure their destruction in the safest manner and as soon as possible, with a deadline of June 30, 2014.