BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Tuesday that China would not render protection to any party, including the Syrian government, concerning the issue of Syria.

"The fate of Syria must be decided by the Syrian people on their own," Wen said at a joint press conference with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso after they held the 14th China-EU leaders' meeting.

He stressed that the current priority is to "prevent war and chaos," in an aim to shelter the Syrian people from greater suffering.

China will support any efforts that comply with the principles of the United Nations Charter, Wen said, adding that his country will strengthen communications with all parties in Syria and the international community, and will continue to play a constructive role.

He also called on the European Union to work with China to promote dialogue and consultation to resolve the issue through political and peaceful means.