China has called for balanced and inclusive peace talks to put an end the bloody four-year conflict in Syria.

Beijing's position on the Syrian crisis was contained in a statement issued by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during a meeting of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG) in New York on Friday just as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approved a resolution for peace talks and a Syrian-led transition to end the bloodshed in the country. 

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China is a permanent member of the UNSC, along with France, Russia, the UK and the US.

Apart from recognizing the efforts of the 17-nation ISSG in the peace process, the UNSC resolution calls for credible, non-sectarian governance in Syria within six months, and free elections in the country within three years. 

The joint resolution also calls for a ceasefire in the war-torn region.  US secretary of state John Kerry said the ceasefire would not include the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS).

Wang said all groups that are against terrorism -- and want a political solution to the conflict -- should be permitted an opportunity to participate in the peace talks.      

"We hope all parties can seize the opportunity to set aside disputes, build consensus, overcome the difficulties and work together to promote a political settlement of the Syria issue," Wang said, adding that China will continue to play a constructive role in the process.

Wang likewise urged greater cooperation in the fight against terrorism, saying the ceasefire should be undertaken gradually, with full consideration to what is both realistic and feasible.

The Chinese foreign minister suggested the establishment of Reconstruction Trust Fund for the war-torn country, which he said could help encourage refugees to return to Syria.

While the UNSC resolution has met positive response among UN member nations, some observers have noted that it makes no mention of what is to become of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. 

The Syrian president has been a bone of contention between the US and Russia since the beginning of the crisis.  Russia supports Assad.  The US wants him removed.  

The UNSC has voted to make the ISSG the main oversight body for the UN-led peace process in Syria, where civil war has left hundreds of thousands dead and many more homeless over the past four years.

"It's going to be uphill," said UN envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura.  "It will be complicated, but it will be possible."

TagsUS, Russia, Bashar al-Assad, UNSC resolution, ISIS, PEACE TALKS, ceasefire