China backs 'transition' in Syria, opposes intervention

China backs a "political transition" in Syria to end worsening bloodshed after 18 months of unrest, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Wednesday while repeating Beijing's opposition to forceful foreign intervention in the crisis.

Yang gave no details of what he meant by a transition in Syria, where the government of President Bashar Assad has been beset by growing opposition and armed rebellion. Russia has also offered broad support for such a transition. (Reuters)