Chinese senior official: Syria has key role in ME peace

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng underlined his country's support to Syria's "legitimate and logical demands" in the Middle East peace process, saying "peace won't achieve substantial progress without Syria."

In an interview published by 'al-Baath' newspaper Wednesday, the Chinese official criticized the U.S. double standard policy in the region, as well as selectivity in the implementation of the UN resolutions, saying his country stands by the legal demands of the Arab states.

He also described the Syrian-Chinese relations as distinguished, calling for increasing the exchanged visits and boosting economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Lu expressed his country's appreciation of Syria's support of the Chinese Parliament's decision on Taiwan.