DAMASCUS, June 26 (Xinhuanet) -- The official daily newspaper Syrian Tishreen on Saturday listed China "on top of the states" that supported the Arab cause and Syria's efforts to achieve peace based on the land-for-peace formula.

    In its political commentary, the newspaper noted that "China emphasized Syria's pivotal role in the peace process and stability in the Middle East as well as the Arab rights, particularly the restoration of the occupied Arab lands and the implementation of the relevant international resolutions."

    China has opposed the use of imposing sanctions on those who reject the US dictations, said the paper, praising China's stance on restoring balance to the international relations.

    Meanwhile, the paper spoke highly of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's recent visit to China, saying it has achieved positive results on the level of bilateral relations and other Arab issues.

    Bashar paid a state visit to China on June 21-24, during which he met and held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and other senior officials on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

    The four-day visit was the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations since 1956. Enditem