China Sees Russian Air Withdrawal From Syria as Boost to Peace Process

China believes that Russia's decision to withdraw its air group from Syria will be a positive step towards the peace process in the country, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a briefing Tuesday.

BEIJING (Sputnik) – On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to start withdrawing the major part of Russia's troops from Syria on Tuesday as it completed the assigned tasks, during the aerial campaign that was launched on September 2015.

"We have seen the statement by the Russian side. Ceasefire agreement in Syria has been generally observed. We believe that Russia's decision will be a positive signal to all parties in Syria, will encourage the resumption of dialogue and negotiations which will help resolve the situation," Lu said.

On February 22, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria. The ceasefire took effect on February 27. It does not apply to terrorist groups operating in the country.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces, fighting numerous opposition factions and radical Islamists. The Swiss city of Geneva currently hosts the UN-backed proximity talks between the Syrian opposition and the government's delegation to put an end to the deadly conflict.