On January 8, 2013, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held a telephone conversation with the UN-Arab League Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi on the Syria issue.

Brahimi conveyed his views on the current situation in Syria and briefed Yang on his mediation efforts.

Lauding the mediator's efforts to seek a political solution to the Syria issue, Yang said the Syria issue is at a critical juncture. A political solution is the only pragmatic way out and conforms to the Syrian people's fundamental and long-term interests, Yang said. Although the parties concerned differ in terms of the ways, paths and steps for the political solution and its process will remain difficult and tortuous, the more challenging the situation is, the more confidence and patience it requires. The Chinese foreign minister called on all parties concerned to make continued efforts to seek a political settlement on the basis of the Geneva Communique issued on June 30. China has, as always, adopted an objective and just position on the issue and will continue to offer firm support for Brahimi's mediation efforts as well as all political proposals that helps settle the issue, Yang said.