BEIJING - China here on Wednesday expressed the hope that the UN Security Council will unite in backing the mediation efforts in Syria made by UN-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan.

China supported Annan's efforts in promoting a political resolution to the Syrian crisis, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a routine press briefing in response to a question concerning France's proposal of drafting a presidential statement to put to the council members.

China is ready to work with the international community to make unremitted efforts for the early political resolution of the Syria issue, he said.

According to reports, France circulated a proposed statement to the UN Security Council on Monday urging the Syrian government to immediately implement proposals by Annan.