China defends UN Syria vote veto

China has said it was forced to veto a United Nations vote on Syria because it was called before differences in the proposal were bridged – but it insists that it wants to play a constructive role in ending violence in the country.

China and Russia have drawn the wrath of the United States and Europe for the weekend veto, which they say blocked a UN attempt to end nearly 11 months of bloodshed, raising fears that the violence will escalate.