China said on Friday that it was willing to send observers to monitor a United Nations (UN) cease-fire aimed at stopping 13 months of fighting in Syria.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told reporters that Beijing was "willing to send people", a change from a day earlier, when he said China was only considering the move.

"We are in the middle of discussing specific arrangements with the UN secretariat. China supports any efforts helpful for ending violence and launch political dialogue in Syria," he said.

He did not give details on how many observers China would send, or on any financial contribution, saying that Beijing was still in talks with UN officials.

"We hope that Syria can restore its domestic stability and normal order as soon as possible. We will continue to play a positive and constructive role in facilitating a fair, peaceful and proper resolution on the Syria issue," he said.