Yul Kwon:
China is defending its veto of a UN draft resolution urging Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down. The decision is being covered widely by Asian media and is drawing heavy criticism, as the Syrian military continues its bloody attacks on anti-government protesters. But Chinese state broadcaster CCTV says China's vote falls in line with the country's principle of not interfering in other countries' domestic affairs.

Reporter:
For or against, Syrians are widely divided. Russia and China vetoed a Western-backed Arab resolution at the UN Security Council. On Monday, China defended its move.

Liu Weimin, Foreign Ministry Spokesman:
China has been actively involved in the negotiation of the UN Security Council's draft resolution. But regrettably, it was put on the table for a vote while serious disputes still existed. This act undermines the unity and authority of the UN Security Council and could not lead to an effective solution to the Syrian issue, and that is why China has voted against it.

Reporter:
Chinese experts explain the veto as a normal consequence of the principle of non-interference.

He Wenping, Director of Africa Studies, CASS:
The Libya case has been there, because the UN Security Council has offered green light, so-called green light. Later on, we saw very clearly, the NATO expanded on this power granted by the UN. Then we saw heavy bombing in a sovereign country. Even till now, the situation in Libya hasn't been restored to any kind of law of order. So I think for China, the consideration is that we don't want to repeat this kind of situation again to Syria.

Reporter:
But this conflict, between China and some other nations, exposes a more general rift about how China should use its rising influence and whether it should forsake its long-standing principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic conflicts.

An Huihou, Director of China Foundation for International Studies:
Strong reactions from the West are expected because the double veto stands in the way of some countries intervening in Syria's internal affairs. However, the West will continue to put pressure on Assad and force him to step down.

Reporter:
Meanwhile, China has stressed that it will continue to support the Arab League's efforts to defuse the conflict.

Liu Weimin, Foreign Ministry Spokesman:
China has been paying close attention to the situation in Syria. We call on all parties in Syria to halt violence, especially to avoid casualties among the innocent civilians, and to restore order and stability in Syria as soon as possible.