On January 22, 2014, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the Geneva II Conference on the Syrian issue in Montreux, Switzerland. He expounded on China's position and proposals on promoting a political settlement of the Syrian issue.

Wang Yi said, today, the whole world is looking at Montreux. All peace-loving people want this conference to be a milestone and a new starting point in the history of Syria. We are all expecting Syria to begin a new journey and become a stable, prosperous and dignified member of the international community.

Wang Yi said, the future of Syria and overall interests of its people require the efforts to resolve the issue of Syria without delay. What is urgent now is to end hostilities and violence to create the necessary environment for peace talks. At the same time, all parties in Syria should summon up the political will to make political decisions, keep to the direction of political settlement and draw on useful experience from elsewhere to find a "middle way", keeping in mind Syria's national conditions and accommodating the interests of all parties. The international community should provide constructive help to the two parties in Syria so that they will find this "middle way", and bring into full play the role of the United Nations as the main channel of mediation, including suggesting ways to better promote reconciliation, but must avoid imposing any political solution from the outside.

Wang Yi pointed out, it's not easy for the parties in Syria to sit down at the negotiating table. This hard-won opportunity should be cherished and negotiations must be pursued relentlessly. The negotiations will be painstaking and tortuous for sure. It could be sensed from the remarks of the two parties just now. That is why confidence, patience and perseverance are essential. Compromise, mutual accommodation and meeting each other half way are of vital importance for moving forward. As long as the parties try to seek common ground while shelving differences and move forward hand in hand, there is no gap that cannot be bridged. Together, we will unlock the door to a political settlement of the Syrian issue.

Wang Yi said,China has come here to facilitate peace and reconciliation. We are committed to promoting peace talks and a political settlement. We have always adopted an even-handed and balanced position without being partial to any particular party. We respect and support all proposals for political settlement as long as they are generally acceptable to the parties in Syria and in line with the desire of the Syrian people. To facilitate a political settlement of the Syrian issue, we have proposed five principles: first, the issue must be resolved through political means; second, the future of Syria must be decided by its own people; third, an inclusive political transition process must be promoted; fourth, national reconciliation and unity must be achieved; fifth, humanitarian assistance must be delivered. To achieve a peaceful settlement of the Syrian issue, we have actively supported and participated in the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. To alleviate the sufferings of the Syrian people, we have provided humanitarian assistance to Syria and its neighbours. China will continue to work together with the international community to push for a political settlement of the Syrian issue as soon as possible.