China has no self-interests in the Syrian issue and respects the demand for democracy by the Arab people, Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday.

"China does not take sides with any party, including the government of Syria. We make our own right judgement and determine our own position on this issue on the basis of actual facts," Wen told a press conference after the conclusion of the annual parliamentary session. [More about the press conference]

China believes that the demand for democracy by the Arab people must be respected and truly responded to, Wen said.

The premier also called on relevant parties in Syria to immediately stop the killing of civilians.

"China has deep sympathies for the humanitarian plight of the Syrian people," he said. "We have participated in relevant international humanitarian aid and will continue to do so."

China respects Syrian people's legitimate aspiration for change and supports the special envoy jointly appointed by the UN and Arab League in his mediation efforts, Wen added.

At the same time, China has through its own ways worked intensively with relevant parties for the early launch of a political dialogue process, he said.