China said Wednesday that it hoped all relevant parties in Syria will work to realize the just, peaceful and proper settlement of the Syrian issue.

"Syria's future and destiny should be decided by the Syrian people on their own," Hong said at at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

He said that the political transition process led by the Syrian people should be launched and pushed forward as soon as possible in order to achieve the just, peaceful and appropriate settlement of the issue.

"China hopes all relevant parties of Syria will work towards the above-mentioned goals," Hong said.

China is willing to maintain communications with relevant parties in Syria, he said.

Hong voiced the country's willingness when commenting on the U.S. recognition of Syria's main opposition group.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday recognized Syria's main opposition group as the sole "legitimate representative" of the Syrian people.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2012)