BEIJING - China on Tuesday said it welcomes Syria's national dialogue at the provincial level that started on Monday amid the nation's disturbing domestic situation.

"Syria's crisis needs to be settled by inclusive political process," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a regular press briefing.

The dialogue is intended to achieve the widest popular participation on the future vision for building Syria in various political, economic and social fields and to follow up the overall process of reform.

"We hope that all parties in Syria can properly resolve the related questions in a peaceful manner through dialogue and consultations," Jiang said.

Syria has endured unrest since mid-March when anti-government protests broke out in the southern province of Daraa and spread to other cities.