China together with Russia, Norway, and Denmark has lent assistance to Syria in shipping out its fourth batch of chemical weapons according to a spokeswoman from the Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

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During a press briefing held in Beijing, Hua Chunying, the ministry spokeswoman said that it was on the evening of February 26 local time when the Yancheng one of China's frigate helped in the shipment of sulfur mustard out of Syria together with vessels sent by Russia, Norway and Denmark .

The announcement from the ministry was confirmed by both the United Nations and the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPWC).

Hua added that China appreciates the cooperation given by all parties and that China will continue to support efforts that will make certain that transport of chemical weapons is done in a safe and smooth manner.

Sulfur mustard popularly called "mustard gas" is a chemical warfare agent classified as a vesicant or blistering agent that can cause blisters on the skin and mucous membranes upon contact.

Sulfur mustard is one of the five "priority chemicals" in the chemical weapons program of Syria set for destruction at sea aboard the MV Cape Ray, a naval vessel of the US.

According the OPCW  Executive Council approved plan for the elimination of Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons.  All  of Syria's chemical weapons have to be transported out of Syria and destroyed in the "safest and soonest manner" no later than June 30 this year.

In January, Sigrid Kaag, OPCW-UN Mission Special Coordinator has reported to the 15-nation council that although there has been some delay in the shipping out of the chemical weapons, the June deadline will still be met.