BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to work with the international community to promote settlement of Syria's chemical weapons issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said here on Wednesday.

Spokesman Hong Lei told a routine press briefing that China has consistently advocated the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria under the United Nations Security Council framework.

At the same time, the political settlement of the Syria issue should be promoted, he said, adding that China will maintain communications with relevant sides.

China has worked hard to promote peace and stability and to safeguard the UN Charter since the outbreak of the Syria crisis, Hong said, noting that China has been mediating between the Syrian government and opposition to promote a political solution.

On the chemical weapons issue, China has advocated consultation in the UN Security Council, said the spokesman.

China is ready to further make joint efforts with the international community to promote the start of destruction of the chemical weapons in Syria as well as a policital settlement of the Sryia issue, he said.