Following the resolutions' failure to pass, China has called on the international community to keep the general direction for a political solution of the Syrian crisis through dialogue. Liu Jieyi, China's Permanent Representative to the UN explained China's rationale.

Liu Jieyi(C, front), Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations, votes to abstain a France-drafted UN Security Council resolution on Syria at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Oct. 8, 2016. Two opposing draft resolutions: one French-Spanish version and the other by Russia, on Saturday failed to be approved by the UN Security Council in response to the current situation in Syria. China abstained from the France-drafted resolution and voted in favor of the Russian draft. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

China's Permanent Representative to the UN said the draft proposed by France and Spain contains a number of important elements, such as the implementation of a ceasefire, a call for a political solution, the improvement of Syria's humanitarian situation, and enhanced efforts to combat terrorism.

But, China has abstained the vote.

"Some of the contents in the drafted resolution by Spain and France do not reflect the full respect for the sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity of Syria. Furthermore, the constructive views of some council members have not been incorporated, so China has to abstain in the vote on this draft resolution," Liu said.

On the other hand, the Russian draft called for all parties to cease hostilities.

"The Russian-drafted resolution gave consideration to a ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, joint efforts to combat terrorism, as well as political negotiations. It also reflected the full respect for the sovereignty, independence, unification and territorial integrity of Syria, with comprehensive and balanced content. China voted in favor of the draft resolution, and we regret that it was not adopted," Liu said.

Liu also said that China hopes the UN Security Council will put the safety of Syrian civillians as a priority.

He called on the organization to continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in Syria and the region.