A political settlement is the only way out of the Syrian crisis and all parties involved should unite in their efforts to achieve this objective, according to Xie Xiaoyan, China's special envoy for Syria.

"The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected and upheld. The future of Syria must be left in the hands of the Syrian people. Let them independently decide their own future," he told China Daily on Wednesday at the Chinese embassy in Moscow.

Xie emphasized that only the Syrian people can decide the country's future, including issues like what kind of government the nation will have, and what kind of elections should take place.

A common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security framework is needed in the region, he said, adding that the United Nations should play a key role in the Syrian crisis.

Xie noted that the process in the political settlement is gaining momentum, but there are still uncertainties in northern Syria and the threat of terrorism remains.

"In China's view, all terrorist organizations on the list of the UN Security Council need to be attacked and defeated, because they are the threats to Syria's national security, as well as regional and global security," Xie said.

In October, the Russian Defense Ministry published aerial images and accused the United States of smuggling Syrian oil out of the country and transferring money to the bank accounts of US troops and US private military service companies.

US military officials responded they want to secure the oil only to deny ISIS the chance to take back the fields and use the revenue to fund its resurgence.

Xie said that there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism. Moreover, there should be no dual political considerations, and no hidden political agenda to serve certain countries' self-interests.

The envoy said that refugees are gradually returning to their homes and the issue of reconstruction is back on the agenda, which "needs the immediate attention of the international community".

"We hope that all parties and players involved in the Syrian crisis will join hands and make joint efforts to try to maintain the momentum of the political settlement," Xie said, adding that he was in Moscow for the second time in a year to continue contacts, consultations and coordination with the Russian side.

Since the start of the Syrian crisis, China and Russia have consulted and cooperated very closely, and both countries have made tremendous efforts for a political settlement in Syria, he said.

Xie noted that foreign military forces, such as those from Russia, entered Syria at the request of the Syrian government to fight ISIS and other terrorists.

"Russia has launched more than 10,000 air strikes, and killed many terrorist fighters, so I think Russia has played a positive role in countering terrorism," Xie said.

He said China maintained frequent contacts with other countries to discuss the solution of the Syrian crisis.

"China will continue to be a positive contributor to peace and stability in Syria and in the region," he said.