China supports Syria's early realization of peace, reconstruction: spokesman

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressed China's support for the early realization of peace in Syria and for developing a national reconstruction plan through inclusive dialogue on Tuesday in Beijing.

Guo was responding at a regular press briefing on an inquiry about an announcement by Syria's foreign minister, who said his government wanted to strengthen relations with China when he met the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations in New York.

"The people of China and Syria have long enjoyed traditional friendship. China supports the early realization of peace in Syria and the development of a national reconstruction plan that aligns with the will of the Syrian people through inclusive dialogue. China hopes that Syria firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and extremism," Guo said.

China supports Syria's early realization of peace, reconstruction: spokesman

European Commission President Ursula von der ​Leyen on Wednesday proposed the creation of a security council grouping European Union members as well as partners including Britain, Canada, Norway and Ukraine.

During her State of the ⁠European Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen called for a sweeping overhaul of Europe's security architecture.

She also said Europe should establish an emergency security mechanism under which, once triggered, all EU member states would hold emergency consultations.

The mechanism is modeled on NATO's Article 4, which allows NATO members to request consultations among all member states when they believe their security or territorial integrity is under threat.

EU chief proposes creation of European Security Council