BEIJING -- Russia's withdrawal of military forces from Syria will help keep parties on the table to find a solution to the Syria issue through negotiations, China's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"China believe the decision will send a positive signal to the international community, especially the disputing parties in Syria, and will push them towards solving the Syrian issue through dialogue and negotiation," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a regular press conference.

The Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday that Russia had started the withdrawal, after President Vladimir Putin announced it on Monday.