UNITED NATIONS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday asked the international community to fight terrorism and push forward the political process in Syria.

"It is imperative to fight terrorism resolutely and safeguard the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria in order to restore security and stability across the country as soon as possible," Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting on Syria.

Counterterrorism is a major part of the solution to the Syrian problem. Without eradicating terrorism, there will be no peace for the Syrian people and no security for countries in the region, said Ma.

The international community should harmonize standards, crack down resolutely on all terrorist groups listed by the Security Council, and constantly consolidate the counterterrorism achievements, he said.

China is watching closely the situation in northwest Syria, said Ma.

He noted that Russia and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2018, reiterating their determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a view to maintaining stability in northwest Syria.

In the past few months, he said, terrorist groups have strengthened control in Idlib and put civilians in harm's way in areas under their control. And they have launched frequent attacks on the Russian military base and in the areas under the control of the Syrian government, which have led to civilian casualties and undermined regional security in a serious manner.

The international community will not allow these reckless actions of the terrorist forces. China supports counter-attacks on the heinous acts of the terrorist groups, said the Chinese ambassador.

He called for efforts to help carry forward the political process in Syria with the United Nations as the main channel of mediation.

"We should continue to promote the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254. The United Nations should continue to play its role as the main channel of mediation and address in a balanced way the legitimate concerns of all parties, including those of the Syrian government."

China supports the joint efforts to promote the establishment of a constitutional committee in Syria, and supports the continued important role of the Astana process, which is in parallel with the UN-led Geneva process. Russia, Turkey and Iran serve as the guarantors for Astana talks.

With regard to the issue of the constitutional committee, China supports the work of the UN secretary-general's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to consult with relevant parties of the international community, and looks forward to further progress in the relevant consultations, said Ma.

China is ready to work with rest of the Security Council to promote a political solution to the Syrian problem and jointly address counterterrorism and humanitarian challenges, he said.

The Chinese ambassador asked the international community to take into account the full picture of the humanitarian issue in Syria.

"We commend the United Nations and the relevant parties for their humanitarian operations in Syria. Humanitarian assistance should be provided to all regions and all people in need. We also support targeted humanitarian assistance measures in northwest Syria."

In the long run, he said, the international community should help Syria restore its economic and social order and support the participation of its people in the development and building of their nation.

Ever since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, China has provided food, medical services, office supplies, public transportation, personnel training, and other kinds of humanitarian assistance to the country. In the future, China will continue, to the best of its capacity, to provide assistance and support to Syria, said Ma.