BEIJING - China has always backed a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and called for a new Geneva conference on Syria, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Thursday.

"We have noticed Russia said the military campaign is at the invitation of the Syrian government and aims to combat terrorism there," Hua said at a press briefing when asked if China backs Russia's air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) terrorists in Syria since Sept. 30.

China has always believed a political solution is the best way to end the unrest in Syria, and it calls for an equal, inclusive and open political dialogue on the matter soon, she said.

Specifically, China calls for a third UN-backed Geneva Conference on Syria, Hua said. The previous two were held in 2012 and 2014.