By Christopher Bodeen
Associated Press

BEIJING: China said Monday it was forced to veto a United Nations vote on Syria because it was called before differences in the proposal were bridged but added it wants to play a constructive role in ending violence there.

China and Russia have drawn the wrath of the United States and Europe for the weekend veto, which they say blocked a U.N. attempt to end nearly 11 months of bloodshed, raising fears that the violence will escalate.
China says the resolution put undue emphasis on pressuring the Syrian government and prejudged the result of any dialogue between the parties in Syria.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Monday that he had no information on whether Beijing plans to send an envoy to Syria as Russia is doing.
Liu told a regular news conference that the vote on the U.N. resolution was forced before all parties had agreed on it.

"Such practices do not help maintain the unity and authority of the U.N. Security Council, nor does it help to properly solve the issues," he said.
Liu also rejected criticism that China was favoring the government of President Bashar Assad, whose regime has vowed to press its military crackdown.

"On the issue of Syria, China is not sheltering anyone nor do we intentionally oppose anyone. We uphold justice and take a responsible attitude," Liu said.
The Syrian uprising, inspired by other Arab Spring revolts, began in March with peaceful protests against Assad's regime. That sparked a fierce crackdown by government forces, and led to some soldiers defecting to join the uprising.

In recent months, the rebel soldiers, known as the Free Syrian Army, have grown bolder, attacking regime troops and trying to establish control in pro-opposition areas. That has brought a heavier government response.
More than 5,400 people have been killed since March, according to the U.N., and now regime opponents fear that Assad will be emboldened by the feeling he is protected by his top ally Moscow.

On Monday, activists said Syrian troops were heavily shelling the restive central city of Homs.
The Local Coordination Committees activist group said the bombardment hit a makeshift hospital, causing casualties.