BEIJING - China expressed regret and understanding over Kofi Annan's decision to resign as UN-Arab League Special Envoy for the Syrian issue, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said Thursday.

"We understand the difficulties Mr. Annan has encountered in negotiation work and we respect his decision," spokesman Hong Lei said, adding that China appreciates the active and constructive role Annan has played in pushing forward the political process of the Syrian issue.

Hong said China is committed to the peaceful, fair and appropriate resolution of the Syrian issue, and that the international community should stick to the political settlement of the issue.

"China is open to any proposal that can help politically solve the Syrian issue, and China supports the United Nations to continue to play an important role in achieving the resolution," Hong said.