BEIJING - China on Thursday expressed welcome for an agreement reached by Syria and the Arab League (AL) on an AL peace plan to end the crisis in Syria.

"(China considers) the move as an important step toward easing Syria's internal situation and an early launch of the inclusive political process that involves all parties in Syria," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a press briefing.

"China backs the AL to maintain its constructive role in easing the situation while proceeding to safeguard the overall interests of Arab countries, as well as regional peace and stability," Hong said.

Hong said China hopes all relevant parties in Syria can immediately cease violence by making tangible efforts, and create conditions that facilitate political dialogue in order to resolve disputes.

The Syrian government fully accepted a peace plan put forward by the AL to end the crisis without any reservation, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani said after an AL meeting on Wednesday in Cairo.