On 12 September 2013, Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met with a delegation of the Syrian National Dialogue Forum, who was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Vice Minister Zhai Jun elaborated on China's position and proposition on the current situation in Syria. He said that China extends sympathy to the Syrian people for their sufferings and respects their will and choice. China opposes the use of chemical weapons and external military intervention in Syria, supports and welcomes the relevant proposal recently put forward by Russia. Zhai Jun stressed that political resolution is the only practical way out for the Syrian issue, and it is hoped that National Dialogue Forum would use its advantages to facilitate talks between the Syrian Government and opposition groups, and support to hold the Second Geneva International Meeting so as to create conditions for an inclusive political dialogue to be held in Syria.

Delegation members of National Dialogue Forum spoke highly of China's objective, impartial position and constructive role in the Syrian issue, noting that they will continue to make efforts to oppose external military intervention and promote inclusive national dialogue in Syria.

Previously, officials from the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held talks with the National Dialogue Forum.

The National Dialogue Forum was established by a number of opposition organizations and pro-government personnel in Syria.