The UN Security Council should endorse the Arab League's decision to slap sanctions on Syria, Germany's ambassador said on Monday.

Ambassador Peter Wittig, whose country is among the 15 council members, said the decision was "a reaction to the brutal crackdown - and the message of course is clear. If Assad doesn't heed the call, then there will be biting sanctions.

"I think the council cannot stand idly by regarding what the regional organisation has said so strongly: the council should take up that decision and endorse and reinforce it."

Last month, Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the bloodshed in Syria.

Chinese Ambassador Li Baodong told reporters on Monday that his country has not changed its position. [AP]